The Chief Imam of Wangara Mosque in Obuasi, Alhaji Yahaya Cessey has joined a Muslim Youth group known commonly as ‘Ken-ken to Ken- Ken Parliament’ to speak up against LGBTQI+ practices in the country.
Speaking at a ceremony to mark the birth of Muhammad known as Mawlid, Alhaji Cessey called on well-meaning Ghanaians to reject LGBTQI+ activities since such acts could destroy the significant gains the country has made over the years.
Likened the situation to Biblical Sodom and Gomorrah, the Muslim Cleric said “I would want people to cast their minds back to an incident in the Bible where God destroyed some people because of same-sex relationships. This calamity might befall any society that accepts LGBTQI”.
It would be recalled that in August 2021, eight parliamentarians jointly submitted a private bill to push for the criminalization of LGBTQ+ activities in the country. The proponents also want the promotion, advocacy, funding, and acts of homosexuality to be forbidden in the country.
Reflecting on the birth of Prophet Mohammed, Alhaji Yahaya said the Qur’an had described Prophet Muhammad as the most noble and pious human being sent as a blessing to the world, hence Muslims all over the world should emulate his lifestyle.
Again, he advised parents to prioritize the education of their children. He said secular education is key to building the human capacity of Muslim Youth.
He cautioned the youth against crime and all forms of violence by indicating that Islam stands for peace.
Massawudu Tahiru, Chairman of the ‘Ken-Ken to Ken- Ken Parliament”, organizers of the program, said the group in its 10 years of existence has contributed to promoting the interest of the Muslim youth.
He said the group has so far led the construction of Mosques at the Obuasi Government Hospital and the Obuasi Senior High and Technical School, as well as organizing the youth to clean their communities.
He said the time has come for Muslim Youth, especially in the Zongo Communities, to pursue education to the highest level.
He said, “hitherto, most Zongo children had little interest in secular education but with groups like ours springing up, the dynamics are changing now”.
He also added his voice to calls for parliamentarians to vote massively for the anti-LGBTQI bill which has been laid before Parliament.