LGBTQ+ repugnant to my values, ethics – Haruna Iddrisu

Haruna Iddrisu, the Education Minister-Designate, has reaffirmed his strong opposition to LGBTQ+ practices, describing them as inconsistent with his personal values and the ethical foundations of Ghanaian society.

Iddrisu emphasized the importance of preserving Ghana's cultural and moral traditions, which he believes are integral to the nation's identity.

His comments come as President John Dramani Mahama proposed a strategic shift in the legislative approach to the contentious Anti-LGBTQ+ bill.

Speaking during a meeting with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference in Accra on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, President Mahama recommended that the bill be introduced as a government-sponsored initiative rather than a private member’s bill.

President Mahama explained that government sponsorship would provide the legislation with greater legitimacy and enhance its prospects of being approved by Parliament. The move aims to address widespread public concerns while aligning with Ghana's legislative and cultural framework.

This proposal has sparked fresh discussions about the future of the bill and the broader debate on LGBTQ+ rights in Ghana, as the nation grapples with balancing global advocacy for inclusion with the preservation of its cultural heritage.

Appearing before the Appointments Committee of Parliament on January 20, Haruna Iddrisu remarked, “It’s a cultural wrong, with my religion as a Muslim, you know where I stand on this matter. It is repugnant to my Muslim values and ethics.”

He continued, “I do not want to believe that many a Ghanaian parent would want their children trained in a way which is not consistent with the way I and you were brought up as Ghanaians. That a man can relate to a man and a woman can relate to a woman.

“We’re a country and we define our values both social and cultural, and we should expect all other persons to respect those values.”

Iddrisu added, “We’re a country, we have our own values, and we have a duty to preserve those values within the ambit of the constitution.”