Charlie Dior advises Mahama: Ghanaians voted for you due to the economy, not LGBTQ issues.

In the wake of John Dramani Mahama’s victory in the 2024 elections, fashion critic and influencer Charlie Dior has expressed his views on why Ghanaians voted for the former president, emphasizing that economic issues, not LGBTQ rights, were the primary concern for voters. In an interview with Neat FM, Dior strongly criticized the ongoing debate surrounding the anti-LGBTQ bill, which is awaiting President Akufo-Addo’s signature, and urged for the bill to be discarded, arguing that it was not a priority for most Ghanaians at this time.

Dior stated that while LGBTQ rights are important, they are not the issues that Ghanaians are currently concerned about. “The real question is: Why not? The LGBTQ issue should not be a focus right now. The main reason Ghanaians voted for Mahama was not because of LGBTQ rights, but because of the economy,” he explained. Dior went on to highlight that LGBTQ issues do not impact the fundamental problems affecting the daily lives of most citizens. “LGBTQ rights don’t affect the price of kenkey, electricity bills, or employment,” he added. “What someone does in their private life does not impact the core issues that the average Ghanaian is facing.”

Throughout the interview, Dior emphasized that for many Ghanaians, practical concerns such as economic stability, jobs, infrastructure, and healthcare are far more pressing than issues surrounding sexual orientation or LGBTQ rights. He criticized lawmakers and others who have made the LGBTQ issue a focal point, suggesting that if this issue was one of the top 10 things on their agenda, they were missing the point. “What needs to be fixed are the roads, the hospitals, the schools – not people’s sexuality,” he said.

Dior’s remarks come as the controversial anti-LGBTQ bill, first introduced by Ningo-Prampram MP Sam George in 2021, continues to stir heated debate. The bill, which has passed through Parliament as of February 28, 2024, includes provisions that criminalize same-sex intercourse, with penalties ranging from three years in prison for engaging in same-sex acts, to up to 10 years for promoting LGBTQ activities. It also bans trans healthcare and makes it illegal for LGBTQ organizations to operate in the country.

Critics of the bill argue that it infringes on human rights, with concerns about discrimination and the potential for abuse. Human rights advocates have pointed out that the bill does not only target LGBTQ individuals, but also creates a broader environment of hostility and exclusion, affecting various marginalized communities in Ghana. Some have argued that the bill is part of a broader pattern of using anti-LGBTQ rhetoric as a political tool, distracting from more urgent matters like poverty, unemployment, and healthcare access.

Dior’s criticism of the bill resonates with many who feel that there are more immediate concerns requiring attention in Ghana. His comments reflect the frustration of those who believe that the government should focus on issues like economic recovery, job creation, and improving public services rather than spending time and resources on a bill that affects a relatively small portion of the population.

The bill has sparked fierce debates across the country. While supporters argue that it is necessary to protect Ghanaian cultural values and prevent the spread of LGBTQ rights, others feel that it is an attempt to distract from more important issues. Many have also pointed out that the country’s resources would be better spent on improving the economy, addressing poverty, and building a better future for all Ghanaians.

As the bill moves forward, it has also drawn international attention. The United Nations and various human rights organizations have condemned the bill, calling it a violation of international human rights standards. The bill’s passage has the potential to strain relations between Ghana and the global community, especially with countries that prioritize human rights.

Dior, who has a large following as a fashion critic, has used his platform to amplify the message that the focus should be on improving the lives of everyday Ghanaians. He has called for more attention to be paid to practical issues like infrastructure development, healthcare reform, and the creation of economic opportunities for citizens. He believes that Mahama’s focus should be on healing the country’s economy and tackling unemployment, rather than becoming embroiled in divisive issues like LGBTQ rights.

While Mahama’s administration has promised to address a wide range of issues affecting Ghanaians, the debate over the anti-LGBTQ bill serves as a reminder of the tensions within the country over cultural and social values. It also raises questions about how much time and energy should be devoted to issues that do not directly affect the majority of the population, especially at a time when many Ghanaians are struggling with economic challenges.

The bill is currently under review by the Supreme Court for further deliberations. In the meantime, public discourse continues, with figures like Charlie Dior urging the government to focus on the pressing issues that truly impact Ghanaians’ lives.