Ghana’s vice-president, who is also the presidential candidate of the ruling party, has opposed LGBTQ+ practices, saying they go against his religious faith and the country’s cultural norms.

It is the first time Mahamudu Bawumia has publicly disclosed his stance on LGBTQ+ issues, which are currently dividing the West African country.

In February, Ghana’s parliament passed a controversial bill criminalising LGBTQ+ practices and advocacy.

Several groups have since mounted pressure on President Nana Akufo-Addo, with some urging him to sign it into law, and others warning that assenting to the bill could result in the loss of much-needed international funding.

“On the issue of LGBTQ… it is important to note that our cultural and societal norms and values as Ghanaians frown on the practice of homosexuality,” Mr Bawumia was quoted by AFP news agency as telling a group of Muslims during Eid celebrations on Thursday.

“Furthermore, as a Muslim, my view on this matter aligns with the position of my religious faith. My faith is therefore very strictly against the practice of homosexuality. No shades of grey,” the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate added.

Mr Bawumia also told Reuters news agency that he would continue to oppose LGBTQ+ practices if elected president.

Ghana’s former president and Mr Bawumia’s main challenger in the December presidential polls, John Dramani Mahama, also opposed LGBTQ practices in February, saying they contradict his Christian faith.