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Tag: anti-LGBTQ Bill

  • Be ready to sacrifice your fat allowances when Akufo-Addo signs anti-LGBTQ bill – Obuasi West MP tells colleagues

    Be ready to sacrifice your fat allowances when Akufo-Addo signs anti-LGBTQ bill – Obuasi West MP tells colleagues

    The Chairman of Parliament’s Finance Committee, Kwaku Kwarteng has stressed the importance of financial resilience for Ghana amidst the ongoing tension surrounding the passage of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, popularly known as the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill.

    Expressing his support for the bill, the Obuasi West MP highlighted the need for behavioral change among lawmakers and citizens.

    He called on Members of Parliament to lead by example by sacrificing their privileges, such as hefty allowances, and for companies to fulfill their tax obligations diligently. This, he believes, will bolster Ghana’s fiscal resilience.

    “I will be happy if the President signs the bill into law, but it must come with behavioural change. MPs must be willing to sacrifice their fat allowances, and companies who default in paying taxes must religiously pay them otherwise, a time will come when we will go broke and despite claiming to be a sovereign country we will accept what we don’t like,” he said.

    He emphasized that Ghana’s sovereignty should not only be defined by debates surrounding LGBTQ+ activities but also by the unity of Ghanaians under a common banner to collectively build and strengthen the nation.

    “We realise that we are a sovereign country, and we don’t want people to be telling us what we need to do; that is all right. So let us ride on the back of this LGBTQ+ issue and use the emotion and passion, given that we are a sovereign country wanting to protect our culture. We have these people who have been ‘feeding us’ and are now trying to tell us what to do; we won’t even accept their food anymore.”

    On Wednesday, February 28, Parliament unanimously passed the Anti-LGBTQ+ bill after completing the third reading. The bill has been a subject of intense debate and discussion since its introduction to the legislature three years ago.

    Proponents argue that it is necessary to uphold cultural and religious values, while opponents argue that certain provisions violate human rights and promote discrimination.

    Since its passage, many opponents have expressed their displeasure, with some civil society groups threatening legal action should President Akufo-Addo assent to the bill for it to become law.

    President Akufo-Addo has withheld his accent as the constitutionality of the bill is being contested at the Supreme Court.

  • Finance Ministry’s internal memo on anti-LGBTQ bill was leaked – Abena Osei-Asare

    Finance Ministry’s internal memo on anti-LGBTQ bill was leaked – Abena Osei-Asare

    Minister of State-designate for Finance, Abena Osei-Asare, has clarified that the widely circulated document on the cost of signing the anti-LGBTQI bill to the President was leaked.

    The document, originating from the Finance Ministry, warned that Ghana could lose an estimated $3.8 billion over the next five to six years should President Akufo-Addo sign the controversial anti-LGBTQ+ bill.

    Days after the bill was passed, the Ministry outlined the negative implications of the document on its expenditure, key government plans, and projects, urging President Akufo-Addo to hold off on signing the bill into law as it may cost the country greatly.

    However, appearing before the appointment committee, Osei-Asare stated that the document was an internal memo that got leaked to the public and was also not an advice to the President.

    “We heard certain sentiments from certain stakeholders so what we sought to do was to see how best we can address any revenue gap issue should they arise as a result of the passage of the bill. It was an internal memo. It wasn’t a memo that was to be sent outside because we were sitting to see how best we could close the gap,” she explained on Wednesday, March 13.

    The Finance Ministry faced criticism from Minority MPs over this memo to the President.

    Meanwhile, Abena Osei-Asare has stated that the government has no intention of reintroducing road tolls in 2024.

    “The document that spells out the vision for the government in 2024 is the budget. So we are working with the budget and in the budget for 2024, I don’t think we introduced any lime item for road tolls and so it remains as such.”

    On the country’s economic standings, the Minister-designate revealed that Ghana’s public debt is GHs621 billion as of December 2023.

  • You can’t sign anti-LGBTQ bill because ‘self-reliant’ Ghana keeps begging – Mahama tells Akufo-Addo

    You can’t sign anti-LGBTQ bill because ‘self-reliant’ Ghana keeps begging – Mahama tells Akufo-Addo

    Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has linked President Akufo-Addo’s alleged hesitance to sign the anti-LGBTQ+ bill to Ghana’s heavy reliance on foreign aid.

    During his Building Ghana Tour in Accra, where he discussed plans with clergy to establish a self-reliant economy, reducing Ghana’s dependence on foreign donors, Mr Mahama said, “Indications we are getting is that he [Akufo-Addo] says he won’t sign it because somebody has filed a suit with the Supreme Court so he has become entangled with some legal issues.

    “This is just the reason for being self-reliant. If you are not self-reliant that is when people can dictate to you. If we were self-reliant nobody would come ask us to do this or do that and so one of the key economic policies we must pursue is one of self-reliance,” he said.

    President Akufo-Addo, in a meeting with the diplomatic community, stated that he would wait for the Supreme Court’s ruling on the bill before making a decision.

    Earlier, the Finance Ministry advised against the bill, warning of potential repercussions on international financial support.

    The bill, aiming to penalize LGBTQ+ individuals and supporters, has sparked significant debate.

  • Don’t sign “brutal” anti-LGBTQ bill; we need to educate ourselves – Samia Nkrumah tells Akufo-Addo

    Don’t sign “brutal” anti-LGBTQ bill; we need to educate ourselves – Samia Nkrumah tells Akufo-Addo

    Former Member of Parliament for Jomoro, Samia Yaba Nkrumah, daughter of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, has called on President Akufo-Addo not to sign the Bill on Human Sexual Rights and Family Values, popularly known as the anti-LGBTQ bill.

    In an interview with the Daily Graphic, Samia Nkrumah described the bill as overly harsh and unfair. She expressed concern that the legislation could create division, a result she strongly opposes.

    “I pray the president does not sign it, or assent to it. I believe it is a brutal, harsh and unjust law, and we don’t need it. We are against rape, paedophilia, against all these situations that people seem to be terrified of gays and I think we need to educate ourselves.

    “But most importantly I don’t support anything that brings division and torments the people of Ghana. We are all Ghanaians, and we need to protect and take care of each other,” she said.

    The bill, which was passed in Parliament on February 28, 2024, criminalizes LGBTQ activities and prohibits their promotion, advocacy, and funding. Offenders could face imprisonment ranging from 6 months to 3 years, while those promoting or sponsoring such activities could be imprisoned for 3 to 5 years.

    The bill has been met with criticism from various quarters, including the United States Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Evelyn Palmer, who threatened to sever business relations with Ghana if the bill becomes law.

    In response to the bill, Mr. Sky has filed an application with the Supreme Court, seeking a declaration that the legislation is null and void. Mr. Sky argues that the bill infringes on several fundamental human rights guaranteed by the Constitution, and his legal action aims to uphold these rights.

    President Akufo-Addo has clarified that the government will not enforce any provisions of the bill until the Supreme Court reaches a verdict on the matter.

    In a circular shared by Director of communications at the office of the President, Eugene Arhin, the President said, “l am aware that last week’s bi-partisan passage by Parliament of the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, on a Private Member’s motion, has raised considerable anxieties in certain quarters of the diplomatic community and amongst some friends of Ghana that she may be turning her back on her, hitherto, enviable, longstanding record on human rights observance and attachment to the rule of law. I want to assure you that no such back-sliding will be contemplated or occasioned.”

    President Akufo-Addo clarified that the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill has not yet been presented to him for formal action.

  • Martin Amidu: Akufo-Addo will not commit political suicide by assenting anti-LGBTQ bill

    Anybody who presumed the President of Ghana was going to sign the private member’s bill on the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values (LGBTQ+ Bill) when it was eventually passed and presented for his assent has not studied the political biography of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo before and upon his assumption of office as President.

    I had no doubt in my mind that no admonishment from any quarters, religious, cultural, social, or otherwise would persuade Nana Akufo-Addo to sign it when presented to him. Those who had conversations with me long before Parliament began to consider and pass the Bill will confirm my position on this matter. 

    As I told my interlocutors then, “self-preservation is the first law of nature” and Nana Akufo-Addo will be committing suicide to assent the LGBTQ+ Bill passed by Parliament into law. Nana Akufo-Addo’s long game, the aura he has built around himself as a democrat in the Western tradition, and all the ingratiation efforts he has invested in, will come to nought should he assent to the Bill upon passage. The fact that other citizens closely watching the Ghanaian political scene knew the difficulty the Bill was going to face when it got to the desk of the President was articulated by no less a person than Minority Leader Ato Forson. 

    Myjoyonline.com reported on 7 February 2024 while the anti-LGBTQ bill was under consideration in Parliament that Parliament had misgivings whether the President will assent to the bill when it is passed by Parliament. These misgivings led the Minority Leader Ato Forson to have stated that: 

     “There are rumours out there that after passage, the president did not sign it into law. However, the constitution envisioned this, and it said the House will have to use a certain approach which is the House using the two-thirds majority of members to approve it. So let us deal with the first hurdle and get it passed and then send it to the President and if he fails to assent, we will take a decision.” 

    The LGBTQ+ Bill has now allegedly been passed even though the public and electorate is being informed that the proponents of the bill and the Speaker have as yet to be presented with the final bill as compiled by the Parliamentary Draft Person for presentation to the President for his possible assent. Even before the Bill is forwarded by the Speaker of Parliament for the assent of the President proponents and the opposers of the Bill, with the President openly on the side of the opponents of the Bill, have stated where they stand on whether or not the Bill should be assented. 

    I am not surprised that while the Bill was purely a matter being passed through Parliament and the saying that “what happens in Parliament is a closed book and the courts will not interfere in the internal working of Parliament”, the Supreme Court has already been invited to the Bar of politics to decide on a Bill which has not left Parliament to the Presidency. The two major political parties in Ghana, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Government and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in opposition have so politicized the constitutional democracy of this country in such a manner that the only denominator for truth is who can lie his way into power at the next elections. The human political actors on both sides of the political divide, including the arms of government, are so fixated on power that they find it difficult to reach compromises necessary in every democracy for the substance of constitutional rule. 

    While the NDC wishes to form the next government using the outcome of the LGBTQ+ Bill as one of the crux of its political campaign strategy, the NPP understands the implications of the political game being played with the Private Members Bill largely championed by the NDC. I can bet that the debate about whether or not to assent to the LGBTQ+ Bill will prolong up to and after the 2024 elections without the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill coming into force as an enactment. 

    Nana Akufo-Addo will not commit suicide in the few months remaining for his Presidency to end and his hope of handing over to his chosen surrogate. Nana Akufo-Addo has come a long way since the bad press attributed to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the West Africa Commission on Drugs (WACD) of allegations against him for taking donation from a drug dealer brother-in-law whose seized assets he allegedly returned as the Attorney-General for his political survival. Nana Akufo-Addo reinvented himself. Attempts to use these allegations by his political opponents in the 2016 presidential election failed, and he became President of Ghana. He has since rehabilitated himself, placed his administration within the obit of the geopolitical West and has curried favours with them. 

    The problem with the endemically partisan and divided parasitic political elite and middle-class Ghanaian upon whom the sustenance of constitutionalism, democracy and the rule of law depends is its incremental development of emotional and ideological attachment to secular, religious and cultural ideologies which affects their bank of knowledge when assessing objective reality and phenomenon. The self-interest of the parasitic political elite, and the middle class has come to triumph over community, societal and national interest. Otherwise, the fact that Nana Akufo-Addo will not assent to any bill that offends the sensibilities of the friends he has cultivated in the geopolitical West has been lying in plain view since 7 January 2017. 

    Nana Akufo-Addo had to reinvent himself by ingratiation to those who previously considered him a beneficiary of drug trafficking and money laundering. Why does anybody think most of the policies of the Akufo-Addo government are western-centred? The profuse outward display of sorrow and mourning upon the death of Prince Philip, and the solicitation by the President to be invited to Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral when he went to sign the book of condolence at the British High Commission were intended for both Ghanaian and international consumption of fidelity to our colonial masters – the typical Comprador behaviour of the Gold Coast born Ghanaian. What of when Nana Akufo-Addo arranged on a private visit to the United Kingdom to meet the newly crowned King Charles III and had the encounter splashed in the Ghanaian media? 

    What does the political elite and middle class call the television broadcast of President Nana Akufo-Addo sitting before a US Secretary of State, not the President of the United States, and bringing the reputation of a neighbouring country, Burkina Faso, into disrepute by claiming without proof that: “Today, Russian mercenaries are on our northern border. Burkina Faso has now entered into an arrangement to go along with Mali in employing the Wagner forces there.”? 

    Ghanaian patriots and nationalists who seek the sovereignty of our country free from geopolitical interferences from the contending hegemons for world supremacy know that the northern border from Kulungugu/Widana to Hamile is being dotted with security barracks and encampments in the name of fighting terrorism and encroachment of undesirable elements from our northern neighbouring countries. Hopefully, these are not intended as the basis for other foreign security establishments to secure a permanent partnership with Ghana without Parliamentary approval in the geopolitical fight for world hegemony. In all these things, one cannot objectively overlook the intention of the opposite hegemons of using Africa as a springboard for geopolitical hegemony. 

    Where do we place the outspoken support Nana Akufo-Addo has displayed of partisanship in the Russian-Ukraine war or Special Military Operations depending on which side one supports; and the Israeli-Palestinian war of attrition? The fact that Ghana under the Nana Akufo-Addo regime has ceased to be nonaligned and become partisan in international politics just as it has divided the country cannot be doubted by anyone applying the methodology of conducting biographical research of Nana Akufo-Addo’s presidency using a qualitative philosophy and methods of research approach. 

    A digression! Whilst the NPP is thinking forward about how to carry its supporters along in finding a decent way to avoid committing itself to the LGBTQ+ Bill, the NDC is busy alienating some of its core revolutionary cadre supporters by mortgaging the legacy of its leader and founder, Jerry John Rawlings to the Ahwois and their cohorts who want to hijack the NDC from the Rawlings’ tradition and have imposed their surrogate, Naana Jane Opoku Agyeman as the running mate on their cocooned Presidential candidate without adequate consultation and consensus.

    The perception by those who have gone along with the Ahwois and their cohort as the current owners of the NDC in the hope that they can mobilize cadres of the 31 December Revolution to change things in 2028 should the NDC manage to assume power in 2024 would regret their folly in acceding to this imposition intended to obliterate the image of Jerry John Rawlings from the history of the NDC in favour of the authors who wrote and endorsed falsehoods intended to betray President Rawlings in his lifetime and for posterity.

    What the NDC needs now for its viability is an open and honest dialogue with the cadres of the 31 December Revolution, its former appointees including all former Members of Parliament, and the grassroots that sustained it since 1992 and not arrogant antagonism and covert claim to ownership of the NDC by the Ahwois and their cohorts. 

    Meanwhile, the NPP’s Attorney-General has smartly detailed in the Daily Graphic of 29 February 2024 how the country was saved tens of trillions of cedis arising out of the President’s SONA from the African Automobile Company Limited against the then Ministry of Employment and Manpower and the Attorney-General in judgment debt settlement originating from 2009. This brings to the fore again the issue of the Ministry of Local Government and African Automobile Limited’s Gallopers unconstitutional judgment debt settlement agreements in July 2011.

    Ghanaians await the response of the current owners of the NDC who were in charge of entering into those transactions. My answer to the unconstitutional conduct in the settlement with the same African Automobile Company Limited on the Gallopers contract in July 2011 was clearly stated and reported by Modern Ghana and can be found on: There Is Massive Rot At A-G’s Office – Martin Amidu (modernghana.com). 

    I have from my experiential learning and knowledge of the Akufo-Addo regime written about his long game since he lost the 2008 presidential election and promised that never under his watch will he allow his successor from the NPP to lose an election. The developed countries of the world with all their sophisticated security and intelligence apparatus are daily accusing each other of interfering in the electoral processes of each other.

    Only the blind cannot see that if these hegemons can interfere in the elections of each other for geopolitical reasons then elections in developing countries are easier to manipulate by either hegemon depending on the stranglehold they have over particular developing country regimes and the protection of turf. 

    Nana Akufo-Addo is too clever and cynical to alienate the powers he has painstakingly cultivated and sold Ghana to during his tenure in office on the polarizing politicized issue of assenting to the “Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill” to jeopardize his long game to break the eight. 

    Martin A. B. K. Amidu 
    March 6, 2024 

  • I don’t support homosexuality but anti-LGBTQ bill infringes on human rights – Richard Sky

    I don’t support homosexuality but anti-LGBTQ bill infringes on human rights – Richard Sky

    A private legal practitioner, Richard Dela Sky, has provided insight into his legal challenge against the recent enactment of the anti-LGBTQ+ bill by parliament.

    On Tuesday, March 5, 2024, Sky’s legal team filed an application with the Supreme Court, seeking a declaration that the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, popularly known as the anti-gay bill, is null and void.

    Mr Sky contends that the bill’s passage violates Article 33(5) of the 1992 Constitution, along with Articles 12(1) and (2), 15(1), 17(1) and (2), 18(2), and 21(1) (a) (b) (d) and (e). He asserts that the bill’s provisions “raise profound concerns regarding the potential infringement of the fundamental human rights and freedoms guaranteed to every Ghanaian by the Constitution.”

    Mr Sky clarified that his legal action is not based on his personal views on LGBTQI+ individuals. Instead, it aims to uphold the Constitution and protect the fundamental human rights enshrined within it.

    In a statement dated March 5, 2024, Richard Dela Sky said, “In my capacity as a citizen of the Republic of Ghana, deeply committed to the principles of democracy and the rule of law as enshrined in our revered 1992 Constitution, I have initiated legal action in the Supreme Court of Ghana. This action is not a declaration of my personal stance on LGBTQI+ individuals per se, but a conscientious effort to ensure the strict adherence to and protection of the constitutional framework that governs our society.”

    He therefore called on Ghanaians to support this cause to uphold the integrity of the constitution.

    “This emerging think tank is, among other things, dedicated to protecting and defending the Constitution of Ghana and the rights enshrined therein. We aim to foster a robust constitutional culture in Ghana, empowering every citizen to uphold and defend the principles that safeguard our collective freedoms and dignity.

    I call upon all Ghanaians to view this legal action in the light of a patriotic endeavour to preserve the integrity of our Constitution and the democratic values we hold dear. It is a testament to our collective determination to ensure that Ghana remains a beacon of democracy and rule of law in Africa and around the world.”

    Read below Richard Dela Sky’s statement

    SKY-WHY-I-DID-ITDownload
  • Your father slept with your sister, raped another – NDC Executive fights “Mr Moon” over anti-LGBTQ+ bill suit

    Your father slept with your sister, raped another – NDC Executive fights “Mr Moon” over anti-LGBTQ+ bill suit

    Journalist and lawyer Richard Dela Sky has come under intense criticism after filing a suit in Ghana’s apex court against the anti-LGBTQ+ bill.

    The bill, which seeks to criminalise homosexuality and LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana, has been passed by Parliament but has not yet been signed by President Nana Akufo-Addo, who has said he will wait for the Supreme Court to rule on its constitutionality.

    Several citizens, including Sam George, one of the proponents of the bill, have cricitized Mr Sky over his move. Presently, Deputy National Organiser of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Elikem Eric Kevin Kwame Kotoko, appears to be the latest individual who has condemned Richard Dela Sky.

    Elikem Kotoko, who is a vocal supporter of the bill, has, in a cryptic message, slammed Richard Sky for lacking the moral grounds to undertake such an initiative by making some shocking revelations about Richard Sky’s family background, alleging that his father was a rapist and a paedophile who had committed incest with his own daughter and another minor.

    Without explicitly mentioning Sky’s name, Elikem posted on Facebook and X, details of one Mr Moon, who he claimed was being used to “mount a challenge to this bill.”

    He then hinted at Richard Sky’s identity by breaking his name into two syllables and forming a sentence with each part.

    “He wasn’t Rich and he was never Ard either, growing up. He lacked that proper upbringing to appreciate what a home was or is and the true definition of family. Don’t be surprised, he has accepted to be used by his paymasters to mount this challenge,” he noted.

    Elikem asserted that this may be because Mr. Moon “lacked the parental care from home as a child,” due to his father’s alleged crimes.

    “His father slept with his own biological daughter (incest) and later with another minor (rape or paedophilia), so he was sent to gaol for that conduct but now he is back to resettle within society after serving his sentence. Certainly, his conduct and absence created a vacuum in the life of Moon. His dad was a rapist, a paedophile and rather than uphold some values to depart from the father, no, ‘the crap doesn’t give birth to’,” he wrote.

    He also claimed that Mr Moon had changed his surname from “Ku***nu” to “Skies” to escape the stigma of his father’s crimes.

    “Little Moon was a little boy then though but as he grew, to escape the stigma he refused to use his family surname, Ku***nu, instead
    resorted to the Skies for a name which he willingly imposed on himself,” he added.

    In an earlier post, the NDC Executive accused the journalist of being a protégé of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and of colluding with the president to delay the enactment of the bill.

    He posted a copy of the Supreme Court writ initiated by Richard Sky on his Facebook page and expressed his disappointment in the journalist’s action. He also pointed out that the president had mentioned a lawsuit challenging the bill on March 4, 2024, a day before Richard Sky filed his suit.

    “The statement by the president was false, there was no writ filed as of yesterday. It was until today that Richard Dela Sky, who is considered a known protégé of the governing NPP, filed a writ at the Supreme Court today. This means that before Richard Sky filed his writ, it was probably agreed between him and the governing NPP. President Akufo-Addo and the NPP are sponsoring a challenge to the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, period. Such a shame!” he wrote.

    Elikem Kotoko’s allegations have sparked a lot of reactions on social media, with some people supporting him and others criticising him for his personal attacks on Richard Sky. Richard Sky has not yet responded to Elikem Kotoko’s claims or confirmed or denied his involvement in the lawsuit against the bill.

    On the issue of the lawsuit, Mr Sky has clarified that his legal action is not a reflection of his personal views on LGBTQI+ individuals.

    He asserts that it is an endeavour to ensure strict adherence to the Constitution and safeguard the fundamental human rights enshrined within it.

  • Akufo-Addo is deliberately stalling assent to anti-LGBTQ bill – First Deputy Minority Whip

    Akufo-Addo is deliberately stalling assent to anti-LGBTQ bill – First Deputy Minority Whip

    The First Deputy Minority Whip, Ahmed Ibrahim, has claimed that President Akufo-Addo is using various tactics to avoid signing the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill into law.

    The bill, which was approved by Parliament on February 28, 2024, criminalizes LGBTQ+ activities, as well as their promotion, advocacy, and funding.

    President Akufo-Addo has stated that he will await the Supreme Court’s ruling on a legal challenge by Richard Sky before making a decision on the bill.

    However, Mr Ibrahim, the Member of Parliament for Banda, suggested in an interview on Citi News that the president is trying to find ways to avoid signing the bill.

    According to him, if the president does not sign the bill within seven days, he is required to refer it to the Council of State for advice.

    “The president I know is buying time. He used every avenue and wanted us to delay the bill so that it doesn’t come to Jubilee House under his time for him to sign. That is why they wanted to put it down, bring other bills, we finish them, and they will bring others until Parliament said if we don’t finish this one, we will not do anything else. That is when they realized their hands were tied, and it was passed.”

    “Now, by Article 106 of the 1992 Constitution, the president is mandated to refer the bill within seven days to the Council of State if he doesn’t want to sign it.”

  • Friends do not blackmail – Sam George tells Akufo-Addo over anti-LGBTQ bill

    Friends do not blackmail – Sam George tells Akufo-Addo over anti-LGBTQ bill

    Member of Parliament for the Ningo-Prampram constituency, Sam George has advised President Akufo-Addo to be extra careful of the individuals he views as allies.

    This comes after President Akufo-Addo revealed concerns raised by countries deemed to be friends of Ghana over the recent passage of the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, also known as the anti-LGBTQ bill.

    In a circular shared by Director of communications at the office of the President, Eugene Arhin, the President said, “l am aware that last week’s bi-partisan passage by Parliament of the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, on a Private Member’s motion, has raised considerable anxieties in certain quarters of the diplomatic community and amongst some friends of Ghana that she may be turning her back on her, hitherto, enviable, longstanding record on human rights observance and attachment to the rule of law. I want to assure you that no such back-sliding will be contemplated or occasioned.”

    The bill’s approval has been met with criticism, notably from Virginia Evelyn Palmer, the United States Ambassador to Ghana, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, among others.

    But Mr George expressed that the president should not hinder the preference of Ghanaians based on some threats from bodies he views as Ghana’s allies.

    Addressing his colleagues in parliament, Sam George emphatically asserted, “My friends will not blackmail me with money, so if we are being told today in the president’s statement that he is giving the friends of Ghana assurance that he is not going to hasten to the ill that this sovereign government has passed, preventing the will of the Ghanaian people.”

    Speaking at a diplomatic event, President Akufo-Addo assured these international bodies that Ghana maintains its reputation for respecting human rights and following the rule of law.

    The President clarified that the Bill is currently being challenged in the Supreme Court, and until a verdict is reached, his government will not enforce any provisions of the private Member’s bill.

  • Anti-LGBTQ Bill has no role in contracts Ghana signed with World Bank, IMF – John Gatsi tells Finance Ministry

    Anti-LGBTQ Bill has no role in contracts Ghana signed with World Bank, IMF – John Gatsi tells Finance Ministry

    Dean of the School of Business at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), John Gatsi, has stated that Ghana’s relationship with most international organizations is contractual.

    He believes that this contractual nature allows the Finance Ministry to assert Ghana’s norms and laws when dealing with these organizations.

    This comes in response to concerns raised by the Ministry of Finance regarding the approval of the recently passed Anti-LGBTQ bill and its potential impact on the country’s financial support from international organizations like the World Bank and IMF.

    The Ministry of Finance released a statement on March 4 urging President Akufo-Addo not to sign the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill into law. The statement expressed concerns that the expected US$300 million financing from the First Ghana Resilient Recovery Development Policy Operation (Budget Support), awaiting Parliamentary approval, might not be disbursed if the bill is signed into law.

    It also noted that ongoing negotiations on the Second Ghana Resilient Recovery Development Policy Operation (Budget Support), totaling US$300 million, could be suspended.

    However, Professor Gatsi, speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show, argued that the Finance Ministry should focus on the terms of the loan agreements with these international bodies, leveraging Ghana’s contractual relationship to address concerns over the bill.

    “Why are we dealing with the World Bank? We are dealing with the World Bank based on a contract. It is as simple as that. If their interest is to the effect that they do not like certain issues regarding LGBTQ, those things can be discussed.

    “I keep saying that the protection of the interests of this group of people is very important, but that does not mean that the structure that is put in place to keep the value system of Ghanaians should not be respected.”

    Professor John Gatsi, the Dean of the School of Business at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), has highlighted that international conventions prohibit the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) from using LGBTQ rights and advocacy as grounds to deny loans to countries in need.

    He emphasized that countries that meet the threshold requirements for receiving funding from the World Bank should be given the funding, irrespective of their stance on LGBTQ issues.

    According to Professor Gatsi, this underscores the importance of adhering to contractual agreements and international conventions in financial dealings with these organizations.

    “I think that there should be a forum to discuss these things in a humane manner, not forcefully or using them as weapons against nations. That is the point I am making”.

    On February 28, 2024, Parliament passed a bill criminalizing LGBTQ activity in Ghana and prohibiting its promotion, advocacy, and funding.

    According to the legislation, individuals convicted of such acts could face imprisonment ranging from 6 months to 3 years, while those promoting or sponsoring such activities could be sentenced to 3 to 5 years in prison.

    The bill’s approval has elicited criticism from several quarters, including Virginia Evelyn Palmer, the United States Ambassador to Ghana.

  • Some tourists may find Ghana unattractive if anti-LGBTQ+ bill becomes a law – Egyapa Mercer

    The designated Minister of Tourism, Andrew Kofi Egyapa Mercer, foresees repercussions on Ghana’s tourism industry if the Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill (Anti-LGBTQ Bill) is approved.

    Speaking before Parliament’s vetting committee on March 5, Mercer highlighted the potential deterrence for visitors due to the bill, emphasizing its impact on the country’s cultural identity.

    Despite these concerns, Mercer suggests that promoting domestic tourism could alleviate the potential decline in international tourist arrivals.

    He stressed the importance of effectively marketing Ghana to both citizens and foreign tourists to sustain tourism growth.

    Regarding the bill’s possible effect on Ghana’s attractiveness, Mercer acknowledges varying perspectives on lifestyle choices within the cultural setting.

    He emphasized the need to strategically promote Ghana and navigate the law, especially if the President assents to it.

    Mr Mercer asserted that, “All I can say is that it definitely will have an impact one way or the other. Some people who believe that lifestyle should be allowed everywhere may find Ghana unattractive. Some people who believe in our culture would find Ghana an attractive place.”

    The Tourism Minister-designate underscores the significance of marketing efforts to encourage people to visit Ghana, particularly by promoting domestic tourism. He believes this approach can address potential shortfalls or issues arising from decreased interest due to the new law.

    On February 28, Parliament passed the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, penalizing LGBTQ sexual acts and promoting rights of non-conventional identities. While some welcome the bill, concerns about discrimination and constitutional freedoms have been raised by organizations like CHRAJ.

    Sam George, Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, argues that the bill aligns with the 1992 constitution, countering the concerns raised. The Finance Ministry advises against President Akufo-Addo signing the bill, citing potential financial challenges, including the risk of losing over $3 billion in World Bank funding for various programs and projects.

    In response, President Akufo-Addo reassures the international community of Ghana’s commitment to upholding human rights. He highlights the ongoing legal challenge at the Supreme Court and assures that no action will be taken by the government on the bill until a decision is reached.

  • Friends of Ghana worried about anti-LGBTQ bill – Akufo-Addo

    Friends of Ghana worried about anti-LGBTQ bill – Akufo-Addo

    President Akufo-Addo has revealed concerns raised by countries deemed to be friends of Ghana over the recent passage of the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, also known as the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill.

    He reaffirmed Ghana’s dedication to upholding human rights, despite the recent passage of the bill.

    Speaking at a diplomatic event, he assured these international bodies that Ghana maintains its reputation for respecting human rights and following the rule of law.

    The President clarified that the Bill is currently being challenged in the Supreme Court, and until a verdict is reached, his government will not enforce any provisions of the private Member’s bill.

    In a circular shared by Director of communications at the office of the President, Eugene Arhin, the President said, “l am aware that last week’s bi-partisan passage by Parliament of the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, on a Private Member’s motion, has raised considerable anxieties in certain quarters of the diplomatic community and amongst some friends of Ghana that she may be turning her back on her, hitherto, enviable, longstanding record on human rights observance and attachment to the rule of law. I want to assure you that no such back-sliding will be contemplated or occasioned.”

    President Akufo-Addo clarified that the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill has not yet been presented to him for formal action. He stated that any decision he takes regarding the Bill will depend on the outcome of the lawsuit challenging it in the Supreme Court.

    “I think it will serve little purpose to go, at this stage, into the details of the origin of this proposed law, which is yet to reach my desk. But, suffice it to say, that I have learnt that, today, a challenge has been mounted at the Supreme Court by a concerned citizen to the constitutionality of the proposed legislation,” the President added.

    Amidst both domestic and international scrutiny, President Akufo-Addo’s statement comes in the wake of the controversial legislation’s passage. On February 28, 2024, Parliament approved a bill criminalizing LGBTQ activities and prohibiting their promotion, advocacy, and funding.

    According to the legislation, individuals convicted of such acts could face sentences ranging from 6 months to 3 years in prison, while those promoting or sponsoring such activities could be imprisoned for 3 to 5 years.

    The bill’s approval has been met with criticism, notably from Virginia Evelyn Palmer, the United States Ambassador to Ghana, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, among others.

  • Anti-LGBTQ+ bill remains an intention, why go to court – Dafeamekpor questions critics

    Anti-LGBTQ+ bill remains an intention, why go to court – Dafeamekpor questions critics

    Rockson Nelson Dafeamekpor, a co-sponsor of the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, has characterized attempts by Civil Society Organizations to challenge the newly passed bill as premature.

    He argues that until the bill is signed into law, there is no legal basis for it to be challenged in the Supreme Court. Dafeamekpor made these remarks during an appearance on JoyFM’s Newsnight on March 4.

    He explained that challenging a bill in court at this stage would suggest that the basis for the challenge is more about expressing opposition than about a legitimate legal concern.

    The South Dayi MP emphasized that if opposition to the bill was the reason for going to court, then that would be based on a faulty premise.

    “So, you can not challenge a declaration of intention in the court of law. Your cause of action cannot rise upon a declaration of intention so that school of thought is faulty. It is built on a faulty premise. I am ready to file an amicus in respect of anybody who will go to challenge this matter.

    “Let the law be assented to and given effect as law probably so-called. Then the validity in terms of its constitutionality can be challenged. But until we get there, any call for any person to proceed to the Supreme Court is premature,” he told host, Evans Mensah.

    He further mentioned that last year, certain individuals took the controversial bill to the Supreme Court for challenge, but the court ruled that a bill cannot be challenged until it becomes law.

    In the meantime, President Akufo-Addo has assured the international community of Ghana’s commitment to upholding human rights despite the bill’s passage. During a diplomatic engagement, the President emphasized Ghana’s longstanding reputation for respecting human rights and adhering to the rule of law.

    He clarified that the bill is currently facing a legal challenge at the Supreme Court, and until a decision is reached, his government will not take any action on the private Member’s bill.

    “l am aware that last week’s bi-partisan passage by Parliament of the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, on a Private Member’s motion, has raised considerable anxieties in certain quarters of the diplomatic community and amongst some friends of Ghana that she may be turning her back on her, hitherto, enviable, longstanding record on human rights observance and attachment to the rule of law. I want to assure you that no such back-sliding will be contemplated or occasioned.”

    President Akufo-Addo clarified that the bill has not yet reached his desk for any formal action. He stated that any decision he makes regarding the bill would depend on the outcome of the lawsuit filed against it in the Supreme Court.

    “I think it will serve little purpose to go, at this stage, into the details of the origin of this proposed law, which is yet to reach my desk. But, suffice it to say, that I have learnt that, today, a challenge has been mounted at the Supreme Court by a concerned citizen to the constitutionality of the proposed legislation,” the President added.

  • We are watching recent developments in Ghana closely – IMF on anti-LGBTQ bill

    We are watching recent developments in Ghana closely – IMF on anti-LGBTQ bill

    The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has declined to comment on the anti-LGBTQI+ bill passed by Parliament in Ghana because it has not yet been signed into law by President Akufo-Addo.

    The IMF stated that it has not yet undertaken an economic and financial assessment of the law’s potential impact on the country.

    This response was provided by the Bretton Woods institution in Washington DC, USA, in reply to questions from JOYBUSINESS on March 4, 2024.

    “Our internal policies prohibit discrimination based on personal characteristics, including but not limited to gender, gender expression, or sexual orientation. Like institutions, diverse and inclusive economies flourish”, the IMF said in an email.

    “We are watching recent developments in Ghana closely”, the Fund added.

    This comes at a time when President Akufo-Addo has reaffirmed Ghana’s dedication to upholding human rights, despite the recent passage of the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, also known as the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill.

    Speaking at a diplomatic event, he stressed that Ghana maintains its reputation for respecting human rights and following the rule of law.

    The President clarified that the Bill is currently being challenged in the Supreme Court, and until a verdict is reached, his government will not enforce any provisions of the private Member’s bill.

    Prior to this, The Ministry of Finance advised President Akufo-Addo against signing the recently passed Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill also known as the anti-LGBTQ bill.

    In a statement dated March 4, the Ministry noted that the bill, when passed into law, poses negative impacts on the country’s financial support from international organizations.

    According to the Ministry the expected $300 million financing from the First Ghana Resilient Recovery Development Policy Operation as Budget Support which is currently pending Parliamentary approval might not be disbursed by the World Bank if the bill is approved by Parliament.

    Other financial support from the World Bank Ghana risks losing include, Second Ghana Resilient Recovery Development Policy Operation amounting to US$300 million, $250 million to support the Ghana Financial Stability Fund, Disbursement of undisbursed amounts totaling US$2.1 billion for on-going projects, Preparation of pipeline projects and declaration of effectiveness for two projects totaling worth US$900million.

    In total, Ghana is likely to lose US$3.8 billion in World Bank Financing over the next five to six years.

    With regards to the International Monetary Fund External Credit Facility worth $3 billion, the Ministry noted that there is no direct conditionality over its passage, however, the non-disbursement of the Budget Support from the World Bank will derail the IMF programme.

    The Ministry also warned that a derailed IMF programme will have dire consequences on the debt restructuring exercise with the Official Creditor Committee (OCC) and Eurobond holders, as well as Ghana’s long term debt sustainability.

  • What Akufo-Addo has said about Ghana’s anti-LGBTQ bill

    What Akufo-Addo has said about Ghana’s anti-LGBTQ bill

    In March 2023, President Akufo-Addo shared his views on the recently passed Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill also known as the anti-LGBTQ bill.

    During a joint presser with US Vice President Kamala Harris, the President refrained from commenting on the potential outcome of the bill if passed, opting to wait and observe Parliament’s decision.

    “First of all we don’t have any such legislation here in Ghana, a bill has been proposed to the Parliament of Ghana which has all kinds of ramifications which is now being considered by the parliament.

    “It hasn’t been passed, so the statement that there is legislation in Ghana to that effect is not accurate. No legislation.

    “The bill is going through the parliament, it’s going through the parliament, the Attorney General has found it necessary to speak to the committee about it regarding the constitutionality or otherwise of several of its provisions and the Parliament is dealing with it but at the end of the process I will come in.

    “I have no doubt that the Parliament of Ghana will sure as it is done in the past, one first of all, its sensitivity to Human Rights issues as well as to the feelings of our population and we’ll come out of the responsible response to the to to the proposed legislation.

    “It’s a private member’s bill this is not an official legislation of the government but it is one that has been being mooted by a handful of private members, so we will see what the final outcome of it. But my understanding from a recent discussion I had with the chairman of the committee is substantial elements of the bill have already been modified as a result of the intervention of the Attorney General, we will see what the final outcome will be…”

    Presently, pressure mounts on President Akufo-Addo to assent to the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill also known as the anti-LGBTQ bill following its passing by Parliament on February 28, 2024.

    There are reports that President Akufo-Addo will not assent to the bill owing to his stance and the fact that he is a human rights lawyer.

    However, Minority Leader Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has communicated Parliament’s readiness to override President Akufo-Addo’s potential veto of the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, commonly known as the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill.

    Dr Ato Forson emphasized Parliament’s dedication to fulfilling its duties regardless of any unconstitutional actions taken by President Akufo-Addo.

    “There are rumours out there that after passage, the president did not sign it into law. However, the constitution envisioned this, and it said the house will have to use a certain approach which is the house using the two-thirds majority of members to approve it.”

    “So let us deal with the first hurdle and get it passed and then send it to the President and if he fails to assent, we will take a decision,” he said.

    Meanwhile, the Ministry of Finance has advised President Akufo-Addo against signing the recently passed Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill also known as the anti-LGBTQ bill.

    In a statement dated March 4, the Ministry noted that the bill, when passed into law, poses negative impacts on the country’s financial support from international organizations.

    According to the Ministry the expected $300 million financing from the First Ghana Resilient Recovery Development Policy Operation as Budget Support which is currently pending Parliamentary approval might not be disbursed by the World Bank if the bill is approved by Parliament.

    In total, Ghana is likely to lose US$3.8 billion in World Bank Financing over the next five
    to six years.

    With regards to the International Monetary Fund External Credit Facility worth $3 billion, the Ministry noted that there is no direct conditionality over its passage, however, the non-disbursement of the Budget Support from the World Bank will derail the IMF programme.

    A derailed IMF programme will have dire consequences on the debt restructuring exercise with the Official Creditor Committee (OCC) and Eurobond holders, as well as Ghana’s long term debt sustainability.

    The bill’s approval has been met with criticism, notably from Virginia Evelyn Palmer, the United States Ambassador to Ghana, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, among others.

  • List of World Bank funding projects Ghana risks losing over anti-LGBTQ bill

    List of World Bank funding projects Ghana risks losing over anti-LGBTQ bill

    The Ministry of Finance has noted that Ghana risks losing US$3.8 billion in World Bank financing over the next five to six years should President Akufo-Addo assent to the recently passed Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill also known as the anti-LGBTQ bill.

    Here is a breakdown of projects that amount to US$3.8 billion, as indicated by the Ministry.

    • US$300 million financing from the First Ghana Resilient Recovery Development Policy Operation (Budget Support) which is currently pending Parliamentary approval
    • On-going negotiations on the Second Ghana Resilient Recovery Development Policy Operation (Budget Support) amounting to US$300 million;
    • On-going negotiations for US$250 million to support the Ghana Financial Stability Fund;
    • Disbursement of undisbursed amounts totaling US$2.1 billion for on-going projects
    • Preparation of pipeline projects and declaration of effectiveness for two projects totaling US$900 million may be suspended.

    This will negatively impact Ghana’s foreign exchange reserves and exchange rate stability, as these inflows are expected to shore up the country’s reserve position, according to the Finance Ministry.

    With regards to the International Monetary Fund External Credit Facility worth $3 billion, the Ministry noted that there is no direct conditionality over its passage, however, the non-disbursement of the budget support from the World Bank will derail the IMF programme.

    The Ministry also warned that a derailed IMF programme will have dire consequences on the debt restructuring exercise with the Official Creditor Committee (OCC) and Eurobond holders, as well as Ghana’s long term debt sustainability.

    Background

    Parliament on February 28 passed the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill also known as the anti-LGBTQ bill after three years following its introduction.

    During Wednesday’s Parliamentary session Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin sought to make amendments to the bill during the second consideration stage citing human right infringement.

    However, the Minority rejected his request, prompting the Speaker to push for the third consideration stage,.

    Speaker Alban Bagbin put the bill to a voice vote and the ayes had it.

    As it stands now, Parliament has tabled the bill at the President’s desk for President Akufo-Addo to assent to the bill to become law.

    The Anti-LGBTQ+ bill aims to criminalize LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana. It proposes strict penalties, including imprisonment, for individuals engaged in activities related to homosexuality and LGBTQ+ advocacy.

    Additionally, the bill seeks to prohibit the promotion of LGBTQ+ rights, organizations, and events in Ghana.

    Prior to its passage, there had been several amendments to the bill. After deliberation, Parliament decided that the minimum custodial sentence has been set at three years, with a maximum of five years for promoters and sympathisers.

    Additionally, individuals caught directly engaging in these activities will face a minimum sentence of six months, extendable to a maximum of three years.

    Ghana is among many African countries that are working to rid LGBTQ activities in the society. Uganda enacted one of the world’s harshest anti-gay laws in May, which calls for the death penalty for certain same-sex acts.

    Following this, the country faced sanctions from international communities. The U.S. imposed a first round of visa restrictions on Ugandan officials in response to the law in June, and the World Bank halted new lending to the country in August.

    The concern now is Ghana could face similar sanctions and be blocked from receiving financial aid from countries that uphold LGBTQ rights. But Parliamentarians have noted that Ghana is poised to withstand whatever pro-LGBTQ countries throw at them.

    Already, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has described the passage of bill as “profoundly disturbing.”

    A portion of the UN Human Rights statement read “I call for the bill not to become law. I urge the Ghanaian Government to take steps to ensure everyone can live free from violence, stigma and discrimination, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Consensual same-sex conduct should never be criminalized.”

  • Don’t approve anti-LGBTQ bill; we need money from IMF, World Bank – Finance Ministry advises Akufo-Addo

    Don’t approve anti-LGBTQ bill; we need money from IMF, World Bank – Finance Ministry advises Akufo-Addo

    The Ministry of Finance has advised President Akufo-Addo against signing the recently passed anti-LGBTQ+ Bill into law, citing potential negative impacts on the country’s financial support from international organizations.

    In a press release issued on Monday, March 4, the Finance Ministry cautioned that signing the bill could jeopardize the disbursement of the expected US$300 million financing from the First Ghana Resilient Recovery Development Policy Operation (Budget Support), currently awaiting Parliamentary approval.

    It also warned that ongoing negotiations on the Second Ghana Resilient Recovery Development Policy Operation (Budget Support), totaling US$300 million, could be suspended.

    The Ministry highlighted the potential loss of financial resources and the resulting financing gap in the 2024 budget as major concerns.

    To address these challenges, the Ministry recommended that the President engage with religious bodies to discuss the implications of signing the bill. It also suggested establishing a robust coalition and framework to support key development initiatives.

    “The Presidency may have a structured engagement with local conservative forces such as religious bodies and faith-based organisations to communicate the economic implications of the passage of the ‘Anti-LGBTQ‘ Bill and to build a stronger coalition and a framework for supporting key development initiative that is likely to be affected.”

    Parliament passed the bill on February 28, 2024, criminalizing LGBTQ activities and prohibiting their promotion, advocacy, and funding. Those convicted of such acts could face 6 months to 3 years in prison, while promoters or sponsors could be sentenced to 3 to 5 years.

    The bill’s approval has been met with criticism, notably from Virginia Evelyn Palmer, the United States Ambassador to Ghana, and other stakeholders.

    The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has described the passage of bill as “profoundly disturbing.”

    A portion of the UN Human Rights statement read “I call for the bill not to become law. I urge the Ghanaian Government to take steps to ensure everyone can live free from violence, stigma and discrimination, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Consensual same-sex conduct should never be criminalized.”

    Implications-of-Anti-LBTQI-BILL_240304_082203-1Download
  • Why should I go for a man’s buttocks when there is something sweeter – Rev. Abraham Lamptey supports anti-LGBTQ bill

    Why should I go for a man’s buttocks when there is something sweeter – Rev. Abraham Lamptey supports anti-LGBTQ bill

    Founder and General Overseer of Believers House of Worship International, and the Abraham Lamptey Ministries, Rev. Abraham Lamptey, has made public his support for the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill also known as anti-LGBTQ bill and revealed the reason behind his decision.

    In one of his sermons currently gone viral, Rev. Abraham Lamptey noted that one generates so much pleasure from having coitus with a woman compared to a man. In his statement, he made reference to the female genitalia.

    “There is something sweeter, and you are telling me I should go for a man’s buttocks. Quote me will, the feeling is great. I won’t go for buttocks,” he said.

    “The woman’s breast is to be sucked, and it is fondled, and you tell me to go for a man’s hard breast. Oh, look at breast, I will suck,” he added.

    He therefore went to the rescue of Sam George, MP for Ningo-Prampram and one of the proponents of the anti-LGBT bill who has come under attack in his quest to have LGBTQ activities banned in the country.

    Many critics have entreated the MP to focus on providing Ghanaians roads, schools rather than seek the criminalisation of the LGBTQ community.

    In response, the man of God said, “I salute you Honourable Sam George. I will insult anyone who asks me those silly questions. Nonsense.”

    Ghana’s Parliament has passed the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill also known as the anti-LGBTQ bill after three years following its introduction.

    The Anti-LGBTQ+ bill aims to criminalize LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana. It proposes strict penalties, including imprisonment, for individuals engaged in activities related to homosexuality and LGBTQ+ advocacy.

    After deliberation, Parliament decided that the minimum custodial sentence has been set at three years, with a maximum of five years for promoters and sympathisers.

    Additionally, individuals caught directly engaging in these activities will face a minimum sentence of six months, extendable to a maximum of three years.

    In reaction, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has stated that it is monitoring events in Ghana following the passage of the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill by Parliament.

    In a statement issued by the IMF and reported by Bloomberg, the global lender emphasized that its internal policies prohibit discrimination based on personal characteristics, including gender, gender expression, or sexual orientation.

    The IMF noted that, “Diversity and inclusion are values that the IMF embraces.”

  • Your economy won’t run without us – Sam George calls the West’s bluff over economic sanctions due to anti-LGBTQ bill

    Your economy won’t run without us – Sam George calls the West’s bluff over economic sanctions due to anti-LGBTQ bill

    MP for Ningo-Prampram and advocate for the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, Sam George, has boldly challenged the West’s economic influence in Africa, particularly in relation to potential sanctions over the anti-LGBTQ+ bill.

    In an interview on News Central TV, George compared the punishments for same-sex marriage in Nigeria (14 years imprisonment) and Ghana (maximum of 3 years), highlighting that Nigeria has not faced economic collapse despite its stricter laws.

    Sam George emphasized the importance of African nations asserting themselves, stating that the American and Western economies rely on Africa’s raw materials, hence any actions against African countries would directly affect their economies.

    “Your bill is more punitive than Ghana’s bill. In Nigeria, the punishment in your law for same-sex marriage is 14 years imprisonment. The maximum is Ghana’s is 3 years. Has Nigeria’s economy collapsed. Has Uganda’s economy collapsed?

    “We need to begin to stand. The American economy will not run and the western economies will not run without Africa’s raw materials. I think it is time we begin to look at adding value to our own raw materials. Why should Ghanaian cocoa and Nigerian cocoa be traded on the New York stock exchange and not on a Ghanaian stock exchange or Nigerian stock exchange?” he said.

    His comments follow sanctions and warnings against some African countries over laws that criminalise homosexual activities.

    Ghana’s Parliament has passed the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill also known as the anti-LGBTQ bill after three years following its introduction.

    The Anti-LGBTQ+ bill aims to criminalize LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana. It proposes strict penalties, including imprisonment, for individuals engaged in activities related to homosexuality and LGBTQ+ advocacy.

    After deliberation, Parliament decided that the minimum custodial sentence has been set at three years, with a maximum of five years for promoters and sympathisers.

    Additionally, individuals caught directly engaging in these activities will face a minimum sentence of six months, extendable to a maximum of three years.

    In reaction, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has stated that it is monitoring events in Ghana following the passage of the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill by Parliament.

    In a statement issued by the IMF and reported by Bloomberg, the global lender emphasized that its internal policies prohibit discrimination based on personal characteristics, including gender, gender expression, or sexual orientation.

    The IMF noted that, “Diversity and inclusion are values that the IMF embraces.”

    Also, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller has indicated that the US government will restrict foreign aid to Ghana if the country approves the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, also known as the anti-LGBT Bill.

    Engaging the press, Mr Miller said, “If this bill becomes law, it will only have a chilling effect on investment. For instance, in Ghana, you’ve seen that same chilling effect bear fruit in Uganda, which passed a very similar law in the past. I can say that should the bill pass, it would potentially have ramifications for US assistance in the country.”

    Uganda enacted one of the world’s harshest anti-gay laws in May, which calls for the death penalty for certain same-sex acts.

    Following this, the country faced sanctions from international communities. The U.S. imposed a first round of visa restrictions on Ugandan officials in response to the law in June 2023, and the World Bank halted new lending to the country in August 2023.

  • We embrace diversity and inclusion – IMF cautions Ghana against anti-LGBTQ bill

    We embrace diversity and inclusion – IMF cautions Ghana against anti-LGBTQ bill

    The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has stated that it is monitoring events in Ghana following the passage of the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill by Parliament.

    Commonly referred to as the Anti-LGBTQ bill, the legislation aims to criminalize LGBTQ+ activities, as well as their promotion, advocacy, and funding.

    The bill’s passage has already drawn criticism from various stakeholders and civil society organizations, including the United States Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Evelyn Palmer.

    However, in a statement issued by the IMF and reported by Bloomberg, the global lender emphasized that its internal policies prohibit discrimination based on personal characteristics, including gender, gender expression, or sexual orientation.

    The IMF noted that, “Diversity and inclusion are values that the IMF embraces.”

    The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has stated its intention to closely observe events in Ghana in light of the passage of the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill. The bill, commonly known as the Anti-LGBTQ bill, aims to criminalize LGBTQ+ activities, as well as their promotion, advocacy, and funding.

    The IMF has also indicated that it will refrain from commenting on the bill until it is signed into law and its economic and financial implications are thoroughly assessed. Should the bill become law, the IMF will then assess the economic and financial implications of Ghana’s decision to pass the bill.

    Ghana has been seeking a bailout from the IMF following an economic downturn, with the first and second tranches hitting the Bank of Ghana’s account. However, the passage of the bill has cast uncertainty over Ghana’s prospects of securing the third tranche.

    In response to the news of Ghana’s anti-LGBTQ legislation, the country’s dollar bonds experienced a decline, ranking as the second-worst performers in a Bloomberg index monitoring emerging-market sovereign hard-currency debt on Thursday.

    All 14 of Ghana’s dollar notes in the gauge saw a drop in value, with the bonds maturing in 2034 experiencing the most significant impact, plummeting to 43.34 cents on the dollar, marking their lowest level since January 12.

    Meanwhile, pressure is mounting on President Akufo-Addo to assent to the bill.

  • LGBTQ activities undermine the survival of the family, must be condemned – Chief Imam welcomes bill

    LGBTQ activities undermine the survival of the family, must be condemned – Chief Imam welcomes bill

    The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, has voiced his enthusiasm regarding the recent approval of the contentious anti-LGBTQ+ bill.

    After almost three years of discussion, Parliament passed the bill on February 28.

    In an interview on JoyNews’ Newsfile on March 2, Sheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu, the spokesperson for the Chief Imam, expressed the Muslim community’s joy, stating that the bill would help uphold family values.

     “I can say without any equivocation that the Chief Imam was relatively joyful about the passing of this bill because he has fully been briefed about what we are going through with respect to the evolvement of this LGBTQ+ phenomenon in our country and the attempt to really universalise it and make it something normal and something acceptable.

    “And as somebody who is the leader of Muslims in this country, he could not actually give any support to such matter to be allowed.

    “For us, it is a moral issue, it is something that also goes to the very heart of the protection of the family which in the Muslim understanding of things is the property of God. It is the smallest unit of society into which every single human being is born,” he said.

    He clarified that anything that undermines the family system will not receive their support.

    “Any practice that seeks to undermine the survival of the family must truly be condemned. For us, it is reprehensible, abominable, and objectionable. So Chief Imam is so happy,” he added.

    He commended legislators for their steadfastness despite the numerous objections and challenges the bill faced. When asked about concerns regarding the bill violating basic human rights, the spokesperson emphasized that laws are enacted to benefit people and society.

    Therefore, any law that threatens the purity of society should not be seen as merely an academic exercise.

    “It is not an academic issue, it is not a human rights issue but it is about survival. Any law that is harmful to society, society must think together within our wisdom and that is what identifies us and distinguishes us from other nations,” he added.

  • My heart beat super fast, and my body began to tremble – US-based Ghanaian gay journalist

    My heart beat super fast, and my body began to tremble – US-based Ghanaian gay journalist

    Ignatius Annor, a US-based Ghanaian journalist who identifies as gay, has responded to Ghana’s parliament passing the anti-LGBTQ+ bill.

    Mr Annor, who publicly came out about his sexual orientation years ago, expressed feeling disoriented when he heard the news. He also mentioned having to report on the same topic for his media outlet.

    “My heart started to beat super fast, and my body began to tremble,” he stated as he sought and was granted the day off to deal with the overflow of emotions.

    He expressed personal frustration with a part of the bill aside from the general worry it caused him and the entire same-sex community back home.

    “And, most personal to me is the lost opportunity to visit my family. Here’s what I know: living in truth is the most powerful tool one has. Leah, Deirdre, Marine, and Todd, I thank you for the outpouring of love and support. They meant so much to me,” his February 29, 2024 post on X read.

    Annor is concerned that he cannot visit his family in Ghana because of the law.

  • We will stop sending you money if anti-LGBTQ bill is passed into law – US warns Ghana

    We will stop sending you money if anti-LGBTQ bill is passed into law – US warns Ghana

    US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller has indicated that the US government will restrict foreign aid to Ghana if the country approves the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, also known as the anti-LGBT Bill.

    Engaging the press, Mr Miller said, “If this bill becomes law, it will only have a chilling effect on investment. For instance, in Ghana, you’ve seen that same chilling effect bear fruit in Uganda, which passed a very similar law in the past. I can say that should the bill pass, it would potentially have ramifications for US assistance in the country.”

    He noted that both governments have had intensive conversations on the matter, which were done behind closed doors.

    The US provided over $211 million in assistance to Ghana in fiscal year 2022, supporting various sectors including agriculture, malaria prevention, and AIDS combat efforts.

    The United States has expressed deep concern over the passage of stringent anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in Ghana, stating that it threatens constitutional freedoms.

    The new bill, passed on Wednesday, imposes a prison sentence of up to three years for anyone convicted of identifying as LGBTQ+. It also imposes a maximum five-year jail term for forming or funding LGBTQ+ groups.

    The bill will be presented to President Nana Akufo-Addo, after which he’ll have seven days to sign it into law or refuse to assent to it, according to Ghana’s constitution.

    The passage of the bill has been criticized by rights organizations and other groups.

    “The bill would also undermine Ghana’s valuable public health, media and civic spaces, and economy,” the US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement.

    Also, UNAids executive director Winnie Byanyima said the bill, if it becomes law, could incite violence by Ghanaians against their fellow citizens.

    She said that it will “obstruct access to life-saving services, undercut social protection, and jeopardise Ghana’s development success.”

  • Anti-LGBTQ bill: “We need to be very careful as a people” – CHRAJ Commissioner

    Anti-LGBTQ bill: “We need to be very careful as a people” – CHRAJ Commissioner

    The Commissioner of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Joseph Akanjolenur Whittal, has raised concerns about the intentions behind the introduction and passage of the controversial anti-LGBTQ+ bill by legislators.

    He questions what legislators hope to achieve, stating that in a world rapidly becoming a global village, enacting laws solely based on culture and tradition could be seen as regressive.

    Speaking on Joy FM’s Top Story on February 29, he said, “This thing that we are joking with if we don’t take time, it will boomerang in our face and the signals are coming. So, is it worth the so-called values that we are thinking of in a globalised world?”

    On Wednesday, February 28, Parliament passed a controversial bill criminalizing what its supporters describe as deviant behavior and its promotion, after three years of deliberation.

    This development has sparked fear among the LGBTQ+ community, as it puts their lives at risk. However, Mr. Whittal has reassured them that their safety is assured as long as the bill remains unsigned by the President, urging them to remain calm.

    The bill stipulates a prison sentence of up to three years for individuals convicted of identifying as LGBTQ+. It also imposes a maximum five-year jail term for those involved in forming or funding LGBTQ+ groups.

    Despite efforts by some MPs to replace prison sentences with community service and counseling, these attempts were frustrated.

    The Commissioner has made a heartfelt appeal to the President not to approve the bill, especially given his background in human rights.

    “This bill is not a law, so it cannot be used against anybody. There are still processes to make it a law. That is why I am raising the challenge to the presidency to consider whether he shouldn’t exercise his right of rejection on the basis of constitutionality aired against human rights. If it makes it through him, and if he also assents, I know there is a bunch of people who are ready to challenge the constitutionality of this bill before the Supreme Court.”

    “It is early days yet. I will advice them, they should hold on. While all these things are working out, I have confidence that somewhere along the line something will shift.

    “We cannot just use the principle of our cultural values and throw all of us under the bus. We need to be very careful as a people,” he added.

    On the same show, the lead sponsor of the bill, Sam George, responded to Commissioner Whittal’s comments, disagreeing with his views.

    Sam George argued that the Commissioner’s job exists because of the Ghanaian constitution and that it is misguided for him to speak as if he were employed by an international institution.

    The Ningo Prampram MP further contended that Commissioner Whittal’s stance indicates he would be unsuitable to preside over any LGBTQ+ cases brought to his office.

    “When he speaks in a manner that is even prejudicial before a matter will come to him, it will not be fit for him to sit on any matter involving this bill.”

    “His position on this bill from presenting memoranda against the bill all the way to public advocacy against the bill makes him unfit to sit as a Commissioner of CHRAJ on any petition that will come there because he already has a prejudiced position. His argument on human rights on this network is that some international human rights person said that sexual preference is a human right.

    “He did not state what law that person used and whether that law takes precedence over the constitution that created CHRAJ, that gave him a job,” he added.

  • “Profoundly disturbing” – UN Human Rights Chief reacts to passage of anti-LGBTQ Bill

    “Profoundly disturbing” – UN Human Rights Chief reacts to passage of anti-LGBTQ Bill

    UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has responded to the passage of Ghana’s Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill also known as the anti-LGBTQ bill on February 28, 2024.

    In a statement from his office, Türk described the development as “profoundly disturbing.”

    Prior to its passage, there had been several amendments to the bill. After deliberation, Parliament decided that the minimum custodial sentence has been set at three years, with a maximum of five years for promoters and sympathisers.

    Additionally, individuals caught directly engaging in these activities will face a minimum sentence of six months, extendable to a maximum of three years.

    The High Commissioner also expressed deep alarm at the Bill’s provisions criminalizing the legitimate work of human rights defenders, teachers, medical professionals, landlords, as well as people seeking healthcare. He also noted that the Bill unduly restricts freedom of association and expression for everyone in Ghana.

    “The bill broadens the scope of criminal sanctions against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transexual and queer people – simply for being who they are – and threatens criminal penalties against perceived allies of LGBTQ+ people,” said Türk.

    “I call for the bill not to become law. I urge the Ghanaian Government to take steps to ensure everyone can live free from violence, stigma and discrimination, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Consensual same-sex conduct should never be criminalized.”

    He added: “The bill is contrary to Ghana’s own Constitution and freely-undertaken regional and international human rights obligations and commitments – including to leave no one behind in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,” said the High Commissioner.

    “Criminal sanctions for consensual same-sex conduct not only violate key international human rights norms and standards on equality, non-discrimination, privacy and equal protection of the law, among others – there is extensive evidence that they legitimize prejudice, expose people to hate crime, police abuse, harassment, intimidation, blackmail and torture. They also perpetuate discrimination and denial of access to basic services, including in healthcare, education and housing.”

    Türk emphasized that the bill is corrosive and will harm society as a whole. He reaffirmed his Office’s commitment to collaborate with the Government of Ghana and its national partners to ensure that Ghana fulfills its human rights commitments and obligations.

  • Passage of anti-LGBTQ bill was politically motivated – Prof Gadzekpo

    Passage of anti-LGBTQ bill was politically motivated – Prof Gadzekpo

    Professor Audrey Gadzekpo, the Board Chair of the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), has criticized Ningo Prampram Member of Parliament Sam George over the passage of the Anti-LGBTQ Bill.

    Professor Gadzekpo suggests that the bill was pushed through for political reasons rather than a genuine concern for societal values.

    Speaking with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Citi FM, Gadzekpo expressed skepticism about the motives behind the bill, pointing to Sam George, who played a critical role in advocating for its passage.

    She alleged that Sam George had a different stance in 2015 when former President John Dramani Mahama was rumored to have connections with a homosexual individual.

    “I am telling you that they have passed it not for any reason but for political reasons. Mr. Sam George, the chief proponent of the bill in 2015 when his candidate John Mahama was accused of having a friend who was a homosexual sponsoring him, etc. Sam George is on record saying that the constitution protects those rights,” citinewsroom.com quoted her to have said according to GhanaWeb.

    She questioned the sudden change in George’s stance, stating, “So I have to wonder why he changed his mind… What has changed? 10 years ago did he have a different morality from today, from 2021 when he proposed the bill.”

    According to Professor Gadzekpo, the passage of the bill reflects political maneuvering rather than a genuine commitment to protecting societal values.

    “That is why I am saying there is politics. They are walking over the bodies of vulnerable people,” she added.

    The bill currently prohibits lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) activities and criminalizes their promotion, advocacy, and funding. Those caught in same-sex relations could face six months to three years in jail, while promoters and sponsors of these acts could face three to five years in jail.

    The bill will now need presidential assent to become law.

  • Parliament passes Anti-LGBTQ bill

    Parliament passes Anti-LGBTQ bill

    Parliament, after three years, has passed the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, on Wednesday, February 28.

    The Anti-LGBTQ+ bill, officially known as the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, seeks to criminalize LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana.

    The bill proposes strict penalties, including imprisonment, for individuals engaged in activities related to homosexuality and LGBTQ+ advocacy. It also aims to prohibit the promotion of LGBTQ+ rights, organizations, and events in Ghana.

    The bill has sparked significant debate and controversy, with proponents arguing that it aligns with Ghanaian cultural and religious values, while opponents argue that it violates human rights and promotes discrimination.

    In Parliament today, Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin sought to make amendments to the bill during the second consideration stage.

    “You cannot — let’s not be too emotional about this; let’s be consistent. You are saying that you are protecting press freedom, so you are subjecting that provision to the constitutional imperative. And I’m pointing out to you that this particular provision must also be subjected to the constitution, and Article 17 is a major guide,” he said.

    However, the Minority rejected his request, prompting the Speaker to push for the third consideration stage.

    Parliament then passed the bill. Now, President Akufo-Addo must assent to the bill for it to become law.

    Ghana is among many African countries that working to rid LGBTQ activities in the society. Uganda enacted one of the world’s harshest anti-gay laws in May, which calls for the death penalty for certain same-sex acts.

    Following this, the country faced sanctions from international communities, such as the US. The U.S. imposed a first round of visa restrictions on Ugandan officials in response to the law in June, and the World Bank halted new lending to the country in August.

    The concern now is Ghana could face similar sanctions and be blocked from receiving financial aid from countries that uphold LGBTQ rights. But Parliamentarians have noted that Ghana is poised to withstand whatever pro-LGBTQ countries throw at them.

  • Don’t assent to anti-LGBTQ bill – Prof Gadzekpo tells Akufo-Addo

    Don’t assent to anti-LGBTQ bill – Prof Gadzekpo tells Akufo-Addo

    Board Chair of the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), Professor Audrey Gadzekpo, has urged President Akufo-Addo to reject the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values bill also known as the anti-LGBTQ bill.

    She argues that the bill undermines fundamental human rights protected by the Constitution, such as dignity, freedom of speech and association, procession participation, academic freedom, equality, and non-discrimination.

    Speaking at a press conference focused on human rights and a rights-based approach to supporting sexual minorities in Ghana, Prof. Gadzekpo emphasized that upholding rights and freedoms is crucial to constitutional democracy.

    She warned that altering these rights could jeopardize Ghana’s democratic principles, highlighting the significance of the issue for all citizens.

    “Once our pillars of democracy rest to prevent the tyranny of the majority, depending on where we find ourselves, and on any given issue, we can all experience the feeling of being minorities. The rights guarantee in the constitution is therefore our only protector from majoritarian tyranny.

    “Human rights are not dependent on majority approval or disapproval, therefore the assertion by the proponents of the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill that because the majority of Ghanaians are allegedly in favour of the bill, justifies its passage into laws is untenable. Ghana is a secular and multi-religious country.”

  • More MPs are against anti-LGBTQ bill but are scared of being linked to homosexuality – Majority Leader

    More MPs are against anti-LGBTQ bill but are scared of being linked to homosexuality – Majority Leader

    The new Majority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has suggested that some of his fellow MPs are reluctant to criticize the controversial anti-gay bill out of fear of reprisals.

    He mentioned that the introduction of the bill has created a climate of fear among legislators, leading them to steer clear of challenging it.

    Afenyo-Markin also voiced concern about the severe sentencing provisions in the legislation, which he believes are exacerbating the apprehension among his colleagues. He stated that he is willing to speak out, even if it means losing his parliamentary seat.

    The Effutu legislator further raised doubts about the efficacy of the proposed penalties for engaging in LGBT activities. He questioned whether individuals imprisoned for such actions would undergo meaningful reform during their incarceration.

    During an interview on The Point of View on Citi TV, with Bernard Avle, Afenyo-Markin said, “The way the whole thing was introduced, it created some fear among legislators, that people think that if I dare question it, they will say that I’m supporting a man to marry a man or supporting a woman to marry a woman, so nobody wants to touch it. It’s a radioactive substance. But, if we pay attention to the details, we can come up with a law that will be acceptable to all.”

    In February, Parliament approved a bill stipulating a three-to-five-year jail term for those promoting or sponsoring LGBTQ activities, with individuals caught in the act facing imprisonment ranging from six months to three years.

    During the bill’s clause-by-clause amendment, Mr. Afenyo-Markin argued against the punitive measures, stating that they would not facilitate the rehabilitation of the offenders.

    He also voiced concerns about the constitutionality of the anti-LGBTQ+ bill currently being reviewed by Parliament, suggesting that it contains significant legal flaws that may not stand up to legal scrutiny.

    “I think the law in its present form has questionable constitutional issues. The law as I see it, from how I’ve seen it, cannot stand any serious test in any constitutional court. I think that the law would have serious challenges at the Supreme Court. If it faces a constitutionality test, it will fail. Not the entire law, but aspects of it, will fail. That’s my view,” he said.

  • Afenyo-Markin pokes more holes in anti-LGBTQ bill

    Afenyo-Markin pokes more holes in anti-LGBTQ bill

    Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has highlighted constitutional concerns surrounding the proposed Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values bill, commonly known as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill.

    The Effutu MP emphasized the need to address these substantial constitutional issues before advancing the bill.

    Afenyo-Markin cautioned that neglecting to address these concerns could expose the bill to legal vulnerabilities and potential challenges in court.

    During an interview with Citi TV on Monday, February 26, he called on his fellow parliamentarians to carefully evaluate these issues before progressing with the bill.

    “I think the law in its present form has questionable constitutional issues. The law as I see it, from how I’ve seen it, cannot stand any serious test in any constitutional court.

    “I think that the law would have serious challenges at the Supreme Court. If it faces a constitutionality test, it will fail. Not the entire law, but aspects of it, will fail. That’s my view,” he said.

    The Minority Caucus in Parliament has issued a stern warning against any delays in the approval process of the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values bill, commonly known as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill. The NDC MPs stated that they will not tolerate any attempts to hinder the bill’s progress.

    The bill, which received Parliament’s approval on Thursday, February 8, proposes a three-to-five-year jail term for individuals promoting or sponsoring LGBTQ activities, with individuals engaged in such activities facing imprisonment ranging from six months to three years.

    During the bill’s third reading, Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin raised objections to a specific provision that could result in the imprisonment of individuals involved in LGBTQ activities. His intervention led to a pause in the bill’s immediate passage, sparking a heated debate over its contentious nature.

    While Afenyo-Markin supports the bill’s core principles, he opposes the clause regarding the imprisonment of individuals associated with LGBTQ activities. In response to his concerns, the Minority Chief Whip reiterated that any further delays in the bill’s approval process would not be tolerated.

    Under pressure from his colleagues, Afenyo-Markin eventually withdrew his objections, allowing the bill to progress.

  • We won’t allow Majority to delay passage of anti-LGBTQ bill – Minority

    We won’t allow Majority to delay passage of anti-LGBTQ bill – Minority

    The Minority Caucus in Parliament has issued a stern warning, stating that it will not tolerate any further attempts to delay the approval of the bill on the promotion of proper human sexual rights and Ghanaian family values, commonly known as the anti-gay bill.

    The warning comes in response to Deputy Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin’s motion last week, calling for a second consideration of the bill. Afenyo-Markin’s proposed amendment sought to replace imprisonment with community service.

    As a result, the House was compelled to continue amending approximately thirteen clauses in the bill on Wednesday, February 21.

    Minority Chief Whip Governs Agbodza has urged Afenyo-Markin to conclude any necessary consultations regarding his proposed amendments before Wednesday.

    He cautioned that the Minority would not tolerate any actions perceived as prolonging the process beyond that date.

    “We should also be clear in our minds that we will not unduly always find a reason to postpone the progress of this bill to another day. Because, as we said the other day, everything that he [Afenyo-Markin] has raised in his proposal, he took about an hour here speaking about it, but he keeps giving reasons why we cannot deal with it. So we are giving him ample time to do the consultation because there will be no more filibustering after Wednesday.”

  • Afenyo-Markin wants to destroy anti-LGBTQ bill – Sam George

    Afenyo-Markin wants to destroy anti-LGBTQ bill – Sam George

    Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampam, Samuel Nartey George, has accused Deputy Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin of attempting to undermine the anti-gay bill.

    Mr Afenyo-Markin successfully blocked the third reading of the bill, preventing its passage.

    Mr George believes that without Mr. Afenyo-Markin’s intervention, the controversial bill would have been passed.

    Mr Afenyo-Markin clarified that while he supports the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values bill, he opposes the provision that would lead to the imprisonment of individuals accused of engaging in or promoting LGBTQ activities.

    “The essence of this motion is to afford this House the opportunity to thoroughly consider amendments that are proposed in the bill with the view of substituting community service for incarceration,” Afenyo-Markin explained.

    He noted that the punitive nature of the bill will not facilitate rehabilitation of the culprits.

    “The issue before us is behavioral, and it is my humble view that in dealing with behavioural matters, incarceration is not the solution. It makes the matter worse” the Efutu MP pointed out.

    “To jail a person for his/her sexuality will not be the solution in maintaining our Ghanaian family values and ensuring proper human sexual rights,” he stressed.

    Sam Nartey George described Afenyo-Markin’s contention as baseless, indicating a disagreement over the Deputy Majority Leader’s reasoning for blocking the third reading of the anti-gay bill.

    Speaking on News 360 on TV3 Thursday, February 15, he said “Deputy Majority Leader, his comments today are not new to the house. Last week Wednesday he spent about an hour and  15 minutes making the same submission,  last week Thursday he did about another house on the same subject, last week Wednesday when he made his submission there was a vote of of the house and his motion was defeated.

    “Last week Thursday his motion was defeated.  Today when he made his submission against the amendment it was defeated, It is a journey of no value and of no substance in the bill because what he is seeking to do is to destroy the essence of the bill.

    “The attempt to take away the custodial sentencing from this bill and replace it with community service is not just strange by the Deputy Majority Leader but it is actually an attempt to kill the bill. I am happy that in the three instances, he has been raising the issue, he has been standing alone as the house collectively, both the majority and the minority voted against him,” he added.

  • Deputy majority leader, Afenyo-Markin halts third reading of anti-LGBTQ bill

    Deputy majority leader, Afenyo-Markin halts third reading of anti-LGBTQ bill

    Deputy Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has intervened to prevent the third reading of the Anti-LGBTQ bill, averting its potential passage on this day.

    Mr. Afenyo-Markin clarified that while he supports the core principles of the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values bill, he objects to provisions that would lead to the imprisonment of individuals associated with LGBTQ activities.

    He stated, “The essence of this motion is to afford this august house the opportunity to thoroughly consider amendments that are proposed in the bill with the view of substituting community service for incarceration.”

    According to him, punitive measures outlined in the bill would not contribute to the rehabilitation of offenders. He emphasized, “The issue before us is behavioral, and it is my humble view that in dealing with behavioral matters, incarceration is not the solution. It makes the matter worse.”

    Afenyo-Markin further explained, “To jail a person for his/her sexuality will not be the solution in maintaining our Ghanaian family values and ensuring proper human sexual rights.”

    In response, sponsor of the bill, Sam George, dismissed Mr. Markin’s argument, stating that it lacks validity.

  • Afenyo-Markin blocks 3rd reading of anti-LGTBQ Bill over custodial sentencing

    Afenyo-Markin blocks 3rd reading of anti-LGTBQ Bill over custodial sentencing

    Deputy Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has blocked the third reading of the anti-LGBTQ bill, preventing its passage today.

    Despite this action, Mr. Afenyo-Markin clarified that he is not entirely against the principles of the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values bill and actually supports it.

    “The essence of this motion is to afford this august house the opportunity to thoroughly consider amendments that are proposed in the bill with the view of substituting community service for incarceration,” he said.

    According to him, the punitive actions outlined in the bill would not facilitate the rehabilitation of the individuals involved.

    “The issue before us is behavioral, and it is my humble view that in dealing with behavioural matters, incarceration is not the solution. It makes the matter worse.”

    “To jail a person for his/her sexuality will not be the solution in maintaining our Ghanaian family values and ensuring proper human sexual rights,” he added.

    Meanwhile, one of the sponsors of the bill, Sam George, indicated that Mr. Markin’s argument does not hold water.

  • Jailing someone because of his sexuality is not the answer to maintaining family values – Afenyo-Markin

    Jailing someone because of his sexuality is not the answer to maintaining family values – Afenyo-Markin

    Deputy Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has prevented the third reading of the anti-LGBTQ bill, indicating that individuals cannot just be jailed for their sexuality in the country’s bid to maintain its family values.

    Had it not been for his intervention, today would have marked the passage of this controversial legislation.

    Mr. Afenyo-Markin clarified that while he supports the principles of the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values bill, he has chosen to block its progression at this time as the custodial sentence is not the right channel to protect proper human sexual rights.

    “The essence of this motion is to afford this august house the opportunity to thoroughly consider amendments that are proposed in the bill with the view of substituting community service for incarceration,” he said.

    According to him, the bill’s punitive actions would not aid in rehabilitating the culprits but rather worsen the current situation.

    “The issue before us is behavioral, and it is my humble view that in dealing with behavioural matters, incarceration is not the solution. It makes the matter worse.”

    “To jail a person for his/her sexuality will not be the solution in maintaining our Ghanaian family values and ensuring proper human sexual rights,” he added.

    Meanwhile, a sponsor of the bill, Sam George, indicated that Mr. Markin’s argument does not hold water.

  • Anti-LGBTQ+ bill will be passed by Friday – Minority Leader

    Anti-LGBTQ+ bill will be passed by Friday – Minority Leader

    The Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has announced that the controversial Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill is expected to be passed by Friday, February 16.

    This bill seeks to prohibit LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana. Dr. Forson explained on JoyNews’ PM Express that the bill has undergone thorough consideration and is currently being reviewed to ensure that all proposed amendments approved by Parliament have been correctly incorporated.

    He further stated that this review process is expected to be completed by Wednesday, with the Speaker scheduled to put the question for Members of Parliament (MPs) to cast their votes after the third reading on Thursday.

    “By weekend Ghana should have a bill called Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill,” he said on Tuesday.

    Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson stated that the people of Ghana support the passage of the bill and that there has been surprising unanimity among Members of Parliament, with no one opposing the bill during the Speaker’s inquiry.

    He also highlighted the longstanding nature of the debate, indicating that the bill’s details have been before Parliament since 2021. Despite the extended deliberations, Dr. Forson remains confident in the overwhelming support for the bill.

    “It has been here for three years and we’re still debating it. We’ve finished the consideration, what is left is the third reading and after that the speaker will put the question and those in favour will say ‘yes’ and those against will say ‘no’ but in the end, I’ve not seen any MP against this bill and the people of Ghana are strongly in favour of this bill. The Afrobarometer shows that 90% of Ghanaians are in favour,” he said.

    Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson expressed confidence that the bill would become law. He noted that while President Akufo-Addo has the discretion not to approve the bill, Parliament will ensure that he signs it into law.

    “Even if the President fails to sign it, the bill would have to come back to Parliament, where MPs will use a two-thirds majority to have it signed.

    “So as it stands now, I think the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill will become law even if the President fails to [willingly] sign it,” he added.

  • First consideration of anti-gay bill takes place today

    First consideration of anti-gay bill takes place today

    Parliament is set to resume consideration of the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values, commonly referred to as the anti-gay bill today, following its return from recess on Tuesday, February 6.

    The Majority Leader in Parliament, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, has expressed confidence in the completion of the clause-by-clause amendment process of the bill by the end of Friday, February 9.

    The legislation aims to outlaw LGBTQ identification and associated activities within the Ghanaian society.

    In his opening remarks in Parliament, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu revealed that the bill is expected to undergo comprehensive amendments by Friday.

    “The Business Committee on February 5 programmed to have the first consideration of the bill beginning February 7, and we do anticipate that we will be able to get it to a closure by Friday [February 9],” he said.

    One of the proponents of the bill, Mr Sam George Nartey, who is the Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, has expressed confidence in the potential passage of the Bill by March 2024. 

    In an interview on Eyewitness News at Citi FM, the Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram shared insights into the bill’s current status, highlighting ongoing amendments with inputs from various stakeholders.

    “They are almost 60% done with consideration. Hopefully, there will be another two weeks of parliamentary work when we resume, and they should be done with consideration. The third stage of reading is just a procedural thing. It is read, and then the bill is passed,” George explained.

    Providing a timeline for the potential passage, George stated, “In fact, during the first session of the meeting we are about to start, we believe that in the first session, which is going to run from the 6th of February to the end of March or early April, I believe that we should pass the bill before Easter. I think it is something we should give as an Easter gift from parliament to the nation. So we would strive to work with the speaker and the committee chair.”

  • Parliament fails to pass anti-LGBTQ bill before breaking for Christmas

    Parliament fails to pass anti-LGBTQ bill before breaking for Christmas

    Parliament adjourned sine die for the Christmas and New Year break in the early hours of Saturday after passing the Appropriation Bill for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024.

    The Third Meeting of the Third Session of the Eighth Parliament, which began on October 31, was initially scheduled to adjourn sine die on December 22 for the Christmas festivities. However, the all-night sitting extended into the early hours of Saturday, December 23.

    Prior to recess, one of the Bills being considered by the House was the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values bill also known as the LGBTQ Bill.

    This bill has been debated on for close to three years after being sent to Parliament by some eight MPs including Ningo-Prampram MP, Sam Nartey George in 2021.

    Speaker Bagbin reassured the public that the bill would be passed before Parliament adjourns for the Christmas and New Year break.

    “I know that nobody in this House is opposed to the bill and I know the bill will see the light of day before we rise because the people of Ghana are expecting us to pass the bill before we go on recess. Failure to do so will have serious consequences on members as they want to advance in their political careers,” he said.

    Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, in his closing remarks, delivered on his behalf by Mr Joseph Osei-Owusu, the First Deputy Speaker, reminded the Members of Parliament (MPs) of their role as ambassadors of Parliamentary democracy in their communities. 

    They would, therefore, be expected to engage in local Parliamentary diplomacy to strengthen the relationship between Parliament and the citizens, he said. 

    He urged them to prioritise their safety and be mindful of their surroundings, while ensuring a peaceful and secure Christmas for all. 

    Mr Babgin advised them to use the Christmas season to reflect on the meaning and significance of the birth of Christ. 

    Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, the Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business, extended his greatest appreciation to the MPs for devoting themselves to the business of the House in the discharge of their constitutional mandates. 

    “Incontrovertibly, Members had worked tirelessly and diligently during this meeting, particularly during the consideration of the sectorial Budget Estimates for the 2024 Financial Year,” he said.  

    “Mr Speaker, your commitment and dedication to your constitutional mandate in steering the affairs of the House is not lost on me,” the Majority Leader stressed.  

    He urged Members of the House to take time off their busy schedules to rest during the recess and get themselves energised and refreshed for business in the First Meeting of the Fourth Session of the Fourth Republic. 

  • Anti-LGBTQ bill doesn’t define who an LGBT person is – Amnesty International

    Anti-LGBTQ bill doesn’t define who an LGBT person is – Amnesty International

    The Country Director of Amnesty International, Genevieve Partington, has argued for a revision of sections of the Promotion of Proper Human Rights and Ghanaian Family Value Bill in an interview on Starr FM.

    She contended that the bill, as it stands, is against the Constitution of Ghana and should be rejected.

    Partington emphasized that the current version of the bill lacks clarity in identifying who constitutes an LGBTQ person, highlighting a perceived deficiency in the legislation.

    “First of all the bill does not even define who an LGBT person is, there is no definition. So how are you going to identify who an LGBT person is?”

    “There is a certain part of the bill that talks about romantic displays of affection. How do you define romantic affection between the same sex? So do you see two men holding hands apart of the LGBT community? These are some of the concerns that we have raised from the bill and so many other parts that we have issues with,” Madam Partington stated.

    She holds that the assertion that the bill will create homophobia in the country.

    “Persons suspected to be LGBT are being forced from their houses, landlords and landlords are going through a forced eviction process. We really have to be concerned with this bill as Ghanaians and understand that it will not just affect LGBT community.

    “I have always said that Amnesty International completely rejects this bill, it should not exist and criminalizing persons for an activity that happens in their bedroom is actually against international human rights laws. So we should not even be considering it.”

    According to her, the group will proceed to court should the bill be passed into law.

    “It is against the 1992 Constitution so all these things we have to consider. For Amnesty International should the bill be passed we will take it to court. As we are allowed to so that is the agenda we have,” she added.

  • “Bofrot!”, Why are you concerned if I’m a man or woman? – Transgender ‘blasts’ Dafeamekpor

    “Bofrot!”, Why are you concerned if I’m a man or woman? – Transgender ‘blasts’ Dafeamekpor

    Transgender musician, Angel Maxine, has responded to a question posed by one of the eight Members of Parliament sponsoring the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, amidst ongoing debates over the controversial anti-LGBTQ bill.

    Dafeamekpor quizzed Maxine of her gender after she claimed that she has chats and incriminating information about some gay politicians and vowed to reveal names if the anti-gay Bill is passed in Ghana.

     “Are you [Angel Maxine] a woman?” the South Dayi MP asked while speaking on Adom FM’s morning show, Dwaso Nsem.

    The question was not taken lightly by the transgender, who took to Instagram to rant and use some unprintable words on the legislator.

    She also had some questions of her own. She wanted to know why Dafeamekpor was curious about her gender. Also, she wanted to know the MPs was concerned about her impact on society following her revelations.

    “Rockson – Nelson Dafeamekpor, have you felt the impact? Why, are you scared? Why are you concerned if I’m a man or a woman? Like something?

    The proponents are keen on having the bill passed before Parliament goes on recess for the Yuletide season. Already, Speaker Alban Bagbin has pledged to see to its approval before the end of the year.

    Reacting to recent debates on the bill, with regards to the deletion of some clauses in the bill and the jail term to be imposed on one caught flouting the anti-LGBTQ bill when passed into law, which saw the South Dayi MP, Dafeamekpor, play a key role, Angel Maxine noted that her side will be ready to drag Parliament to court should it approve the bill.

    In an Instagram post, she indicated that the current state of the bill contravenes the 1992 Constitution and infringes one’s human rights.

    “Pass the bill… I’m daring you to pass your copy and paste bill; the bill they’ve been helping you edit for 2 whole years and counting. NONSENSE We will be waiting for you in court to educate you on how this hate bill is against the constitution of Ghana and human rights in general. Ofui bofrot!,” she wrote.

  • Why are you scared? Pass anti-LGBTQ bill and see – Transgender dares Dafeamekpor

    Why are you scared? Pass anti-LGBTQ bill and see – Transgender dares Dafeamekpor

    Transgender musician, Angel Maxine, has challenged one of the eight Members of Parliament sponsoring the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, to continue his pursuit of having the controversial bill passed by Parliament.

    The Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill introduced to Parliament in 2021 is currently in the consideration stage.

    The proponents are keen on having the bill passed before Parliament goes on recess for the Yuletide season. Already, Speaker Alban Bagbin has pledged to see to its approval before the end of the year.

    Reacting to recent debates on the bill, with regards to the deletion of some clauses in the bill and the jail term to be imposed on one caught flouting the anti-LGBTQ bill when passed into law, which saw the South Dayi MP, Dafeamekpor, play a key role, Angel Maxine noted that her side will be ready to drag Parliament to court should it approve the bill.

    In an Instagram post, she indicated that the current state of the bill contravenes the 1992 Constitution and infringes one’s human rights.

    “Rockson – Nelson Dafeamekpor, have you felt the impact? Why, are you scared? Why are you concerned if I’m a man or a woman? Like something?

    “Pass the bill… I’m daring you to pass your copy and paste bill; the bill they’ve been helping you edit for 2 whole years and counting. NONSENSE We will be waiting for you in court to educate you on how this hate bill is against the constitution of Ghana and human rights in general. Ofui bofrot!,” she wrote.

  • Amnesty Int’l to head to court if anti-LGBTQ bill is passed into law

    Amnesty Int’l to head to court if anti-LGBTQ bill is passed into law

    Amnesty International has announced its intention to take legal action against the anti-LGBTQ+ bill if it is passed by the Ghanaian Parliament.

    This decision follows the Commission of Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) recommending revisions to certain sections of the proposed Promotion of Proper Human Rights and Ghanaian Family Value Bill 2021, also known as the Anti-LGBTQ+ bill.

    The Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference has expressed support for the bill, emphasizing their belief that criminalizing individuals based on their sexual orientation is inappropriate.

    Speaking on Starr Today, Country Director for Amnesty International, Genevieve Partington, asserted that the bill goes against the Constitution of Ghana and should be rejected.

    “First of all the bill does not even define who an LGBT person is, there is no definition. So how are you going to identify who an LGBT person is?

    “There is a certain part of the bill that talks about romantic displays of affection. How do you define romantic affection between the same sex? So do you see two men holding hands apart of the LGBT community? These are some of the concerns that we have raised from the bill and so many other parts that we have issues with,” Madam Patington stated.

    Amnesty International holds the position that the law will generate hatred for the LGBTQ community.

    “Persons suspected to be LGBT are being forced from their houses, landlords and landlords are going through a forced eviction process. We really have to be concerned with this bill as Ghanaians and understand that it will not just affect LGBT community.

    “I have always said that Amnesty International completely rejects this bill, it should not exist and criminalizing persons for an activity that happens in their bedroom is actually against international human rights laws. So we should not even be considering it.   

    “It is against the 1992 Constitution so all these things we have to consider. For Amnesty International should the bill be passed we will take it to court. As we are allowed to so that is the agenda we have,” she added.

  • Anti-LGBTQ bill: We are not on a quest to arrest Ghanaians – Dafeamekpor

    Anti-LGBTQ bill: We are not on a quest to arrest Ghanaians – Dafeamekpor

    One of the eight Members of Parliament sponsoring the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, Rockson-Nelson Defeamekpor, has emphasized that the bill’s primary objective is not to intentionally imprison offenders.

    Instead, he clarified that its purpose is to act as a deterrent and to facilitate reforms within the context of promoting proper human sexual rights and Ghanaian family values.

    Speaking in on Joy FM’s Top Story on Tuesday, December 12, he said, “Nobody is intending to imprison anybody with this bill. It is a conduct that we think that we should check as a sovereign people.”

    In the midst of deliberations, Parliament faced a challenge in reaching a consensus on the suitable penalties for individuals within the LGBTQ+ community engaging in what is described as unnatural carnal knowledge with one another.

    The proposed legislation criminalizes sexual activities between individuals of the same sex, as well as those involving a person with an animal or object, advocating for imprisonment ranging from 3 to 5 years. Despite this, the Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee suggested a potential prison sentence of up to 3 years, refraining from specifying a minimum required sentence.

    Mr Dafeamekpor said: “I support the lower limit. The legislation we are considering, which would lead to an enactment, involves certain aspects of conduct that we need to proscribe, and not all of them should necessarily lead to custodial sentences. Regarding the minimum, which became a point of contention on the floor, it means the court wouldn’t have the discretion to even caution someone and discharge them after they have been convicted. However, the intention of this legislation is not necessarily to imprison people.”

    Furthermore, Rockson-Nelson Defeamekpor added that the bill is crafted in a manner that allows the court to afford individuals found guilty a second chance to reform their behavior.

    “There would be circumstances where, after a successful prosecution and conviction, the court may be inclined, depending on the peculiarity of the case and the applicable law, to merely caution the person to go and be of good conduct.”

    In light of the bill’s objectives, Rockson-Nelson Defeamekpor urged international stakeholders for their support, emphasizing the bill’s intended focus. During the discussion, Edem Senanu, Chairman of Advocates of Christ Ghana, echoed agreement with the idea that the court could caution individuals found guilty of engaging in same-sex activities.

    Senanu deemed this approach as fair, suggesting that in cases where individuals receive multiple cautions, there should be a mechanism in place to escalate sanctions as needed.

    “The concept is not bad. It is to ensure that certain things are not promoted. I don’t think that anyone should have a problem if the judge thinks that the merits of a case are such that they want to caution an individual,” he added.

  • Anti-LGBTQ bill: Parliament undecisive on punishment for LGBTQ members, advocates

    Anti-LGBTQ bill: Parliament undecisive on punishment for LGBTQ members, advocates

    Parliament faced challenges reaching a consensus on the punishment for LGBTQ+ individuals engaging in unnatural carnal knowledge under the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill.

    The proposed legislation criminalizes same-sex activities, proposing a penalty of 3 to 5 years.

    However, the Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee suggested a jail term of up to 3 years without specifying a minimum sentence, citing various considerations in support of this proposal on December 12, 2023.

    “Most of the religious bodies were supporting the fact that they would give people who are prepared to go through reforms, the opportunity to go through. If we make a strict law that if you are found guilty, or you practice this, you don’t have an option. Mr. Speaker, we don’t have a community service that would have been more severe than giving the person a custodial sentence, because the society will look down upon you.

    “But to caution you or to give you deserve imprisonment or imprisonment, if we leave it to the discretion of the judge, they are also members of this society, they are learned, and depending on the circumstances, that’s why I am comfortable if we give the upper limit without saying that the person must be imprisoned as a minimum requirement.”

    A sponsor of the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, and Ningo-Prampram MP, Sam George, emphasized the importance of seeking advice on the penalty units to be imposed on offenders.

    “We should then get advice on what the minimum penalty or 750 units is concurrent with, is it three months or six months? So we have a lower limit also for custodial sentence,” he said on the floor.

    But the Speaker interjected, saying that there was already a law on equivalence on penalty units and therefore “that will apply.”

    After extensive deliberations, the Speaker deferred the questions related to the LGBTQ+ bill to parliamentary drafters. The intention is to draft a detailed form of the discussions that accurately reflects the perspectives and intentions of various legislators. The bill, led by eight Members of Parliament, seeks to criminalize the promotion, advocacy, funding, and acts of homosexuality in Ghana.

  • Anti-LGBTQ bill: Dafeamekpor fights deletion of Clause 4

    Anti-LGBTQ bill: Dafeamekpor fights deletion of Clause 4

    South Dayi MP, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, has opposed the removal of Clause 4 of the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill.

    Clause 4 of the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill creates an offense related to undermining proper human sexual rights and Ghanaian family values.

    According to the Chairman of the Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs Committee of Parliament, Kwame Anyimadu Antwi, the clause clause is ambiguous and highly subjective in nature, a decision made following engagements with the Attorney-General, hence the need to delete it.

    Quoting recommendations from the Attorney General, Godfred Dame, Mr. Anyimadu Antwi said, “Though this clause creates an offence relating to undermining proper human sexual rights and Ghanaian family values what constitutes ‘undermine’ is not defined and therefore the basis of the offence cannot be determined.

    “Mr. Speaker this is the advice the learned Attorney General gave to the committee and the entire committee agreed on this advice. And that’s why we agreed as has been said by ranking that it was too much of subjectivity and ambiguities and that is why we propose that in deleting and creating an offence we shouldn’t be having ambiguities and subjectivities. That is why the proposal is to delete the entire clause.”

    But an unenthused Rockson-Nelson Defeamekpor said that clause was integral to the entire bill and thus deleting it would be erroneous.

    “Mr. Speaker the essence of four is so cardinal to this legislation. So, so cardinal, so, so fundamental to it. I’ve been struggling to appreciate the point made by the ranking member that this offence in article 39, he’s not been able to point it out.

    “The subjectivity element that he points to that, too I am struggling to appreciate.

    “Because you see when we enacted the provision this way, subject to the enhancement contained in the amendments listed thereafter, there will be investigations if somebody makes a complaint that clause four which subsequently will become section four has been breached, that is not the end of it. Investigations will be conducted. It is the investigation that will establish a prima facie that indeed clause four subsequently section four of the law has been breached or not,” he explained.

    The Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill is currently at the consideration stage, and Speaker Alban Bagbin has assured of its passing before the House goes on recess for the Yuletide season.

  • It will be political-suicide for MPs to oppose anti-LGBTQ bill – Edem Senanu

    It will be political-suicide for MPs to oppose anti-LGBTQ bill – Edem Senanu

    Chairman of Advocates for Christ Ghana, Edem Senanu, has issued a caution against opposing the passage of the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, 2021.

    This warning comes in response to concerns raised by Kwame Anyimadu Antwi, the Chairman of the Constitution and Legal Affairs Committee, who highlighted the potential impact of politicizing the bill on its passage.

    The bill had faced a prolonged delay, leading to frustration among its supporters. Allegations were made by proponents that certain Members of Parliament were collaborating with pro-LGBTQ campaigners to intentionally impede its progress.

    Speaking in an interview on Joy FM’s Top Story on Friday, December 8, Mr Senanu explained that “it would be politically suicidal for any group to say we are not going to support this bill.”

    Edem Senanu has stressed the importance of avoiding acrimony over the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill.

    He emphasized that the Anti-LGBTQ bill should not be seen as tied to any specific political party, whether the New Patriotic Party (NPP) or the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Instead, Senanu highlighted that the bill represents the desires of the people of Ghana.

    “Indeed, everybody knows that a good law is a law owned by the people, that is standard practice. Any piece of legislation that would pass the test of time must be a piece of legislation that emanates from the interest and aspiration of the people. So why would NPP or NDC either want to own it? … We are not interested in the partisanship,” he added.

    According to him, Parliamentarians ought to “spend more time behind the scenes panning out the processes of how they are going to manage it [bill].”

    He noted that, as the election year is approaching and if the data “is anything to go by, the CDD-Ghana’s data 2019, 2021 says that 93 per cent of Ghanaians have a position on this matter which suggests that while we may be embracing these people [LGBT community], we are not accepting of their practices and we don’t want that to be something that we want in our country.”

    Edem Senanu reminded lawmakers to be mindful of their decisions on the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill.

    He pointed out that their stance on this issue could have implications for their political careers, suggesting that their continued tenure in Parliament might be influenced by their position on the bill.

    “If they [Parliamentarians] are not aware, perhaps all of us need to remind them that we the people of Ghana have a certain position on this matter and it would be really dangerous for them … they may choose to make those comments but we are reminding them that there is a very strong position that Ghanaians hold on this matter,” he reiterated.

    Meanwhile, Parliament has commenced work on the bill.

  • Parliament commences consideration of anti-LGBTQ Bill

    Parliament commences consideration of anti-LGBTQ Bill

    On Friday, December 8, Parliament initiated the proceedings for the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill 2021.

    The bill, currently undergoing the consideration stage, is slated for refinement to align more closely with the prevailing Ghanaian legal framework.

    The advancement of the bill had experienced a prolonged hiatus, causing frustration among its supporters. Allegations were raised by proponents, asserting that certain Members of Parliament had collaborated with pro-LGBT campaigners, intentionally contributing to the delay in its passage.

    In a press conference, lead campaigner for the anti-LGBT bill, Sam George, said “Those who have gone and gotten influenced by persons who have an interest in the LGBTQ should return whatever influence they have collected because we will fight, and the next time we address the media, I will mention names.”

    In the ongoing consideration of the bill, the Chairman of the Constitution and Legal Affairs Committee is notably absent. This echoes a recent incident earlier in the week when a similar situation resulted in a temporary halt to the bill’s progress.

    The Deputy Majority Chief Whip, Lydia Alhassan, clarified that the Committee Chairman, who had proposed amendments to the bill, was unavailable and absent from the parliamentary session due to health reasons. Consequently, the decision was made to postpone the proceedings on the bill during that time.

    However, reacting to her statement, Sam George had said, “The excuse given today that the chairman of the committee is not in the chamber so we can’t take the amendments is alien to the practice of this house.”

    The Bill which has generated a lot of attention locally and internationally, seeks to curb the acknowledgement and promotion of any rights of LGBTQI+ individuals or group.

  • Anti-gay bill was not considered because we didn’t have the numbers – Joe Wise dismisses ‘sabotage’ claims

    Anti-gay bill was not considered because we didn’t have the numbers – Joe Wise dismisses ‘sabotage’ claims

    First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Joseph Osei-Owusu, has defended himself and the majority against accusations of intentionally delaying the passage of the anti-gay bill.

    He clarified that the bill couldn’t proceed to the consideration stage due to the absence of a quorum, with less than 50 members present in Parliament.

    The sponsors of the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill had accused the majority of sabotaging the bill’s passage.

    They pointed to the First Deputy Speaker’s decision to decline a request for the bill to be taken at the consideration stage.

    Reacting to the issue on the floor of Parliament, Joseph Osei- Owusu, stated, “As at the time my attention was drawn that the Honourable member wanted to move the bill, we didn’t have the numbers to do business. We were less than 50 members. Members of the coalition organised a press conference and started making allegations that myself and the majority, in general, are opposed to the bill.

    He added, “For members to say that because they proposed it, it is their property, it is wrong and it’s unfair. Once it’s laid in the house, it is the property of the house. It is inappropriate for us to assume that because it’s not done today, it’s an attempt to frustrate the process, it’s not right. It’s almost unfair to say that because it was not taken, I’m against it.”

    Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, characterized the refusal of the house to consider the anti-gay bill as a ‘decision made in error.’ In response to this, he directed that the bill be passed before the house goes on recess.

    “We have to finish before we go on recess, one of them is the Affirmative Action Gender Equality Bill. Even though we said it was not proper for it to be brought under a certificate of urgency.

    “We all know the key role that Bill will play in the development of the country. We cannot afford to fail the country. The bill on proper human sexual rights and Ghanaian family values bill 2021 will have to be taken.”

  • Anti-LGBTQ Bill: Respect Ghana’s values and sovereignty – Group tells US Ambassador

    Anti-LGBTQ Bill: Respect Ghana’s values and sovereignty – Group tells US Ambassador

    The Democratic Advocates Initiative (TDAI) has raised concerns over the conduct and remarks made by the US Ambassador in Ghana with regards to the country’s sexual practices.

    TDAI points out that the US Ambassador’s position on LGBTQ+ rights stands in stark contrast to the perspectives held by Ghana’s Parliament, religious institutions, and prevailing societal norms.

    The US Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer, has warned that the passage of the anti-LGBTQ+ bill could affect trade and investment in the country.

    Ambassador Palmer said that while a number of American companies are preparing to invest in Ghana, any law that discriminates against LGBTQ+ people could hurt the country’s reputation and make it less attractive to investors.

    Speaking to journalists in Accra, Ambassador Palmer said: “Lots of ethnic communities make Ghana strong, stable, and attractive for investments. I hope it stays that way with regard to the LGBTQ community. They should be managed to be made the colour of the money green or red if it’s Ghanaian, but if it is discrimination, then that will send a signal not to [only] LGBTQ investors and exporters but to other American companies. Then Ghana will be less welcoming…so I hope it stays that welcoming.”

    TDAI believes the Ambassador’s actions might suggest hidden agendas, which could potentially involve the distribution of aid packages camouflaged as humanitarian assistance.

    According to the group, the US Ambassador must respect “Ghana’s citizens, values, and sovereignty.”

  • Sam George urges Parliament to disregard US Ambassador’s anti-LGBTQ advice

    Sam George urges Parliament to disregard US Ambassador’s anti-LGBTQ advice

    The Member of Parliament (MP) representing Ningo-Prampram, Sam George, has called upon Parliament to stand firm and resist the warnings by Virginia Palmer, the US Ambassador to Ghana, regarding the proposed anti-LGBTQ Bill.

    In an interview with the media, Sam George stressed the importance of upholding Ghanaian values and cultural beliefs, rather than yielding to external pressures or advisories.

    He emphasized the significance of safeguarding Ghana’s cultural identity and principles, asserting that Ghanaians should recognize that their portrayal determines how they are perceived and treated.

    Sam George argued that maintaining integrity and a strong value system is paramount, particularly in business partnerships, and that succumbing to financial incentives at the expense of cultural values could tarnish Ghana’s reputation and discourage meaningful collaborations.

    “It is high time Ghanaians begin to realize that the way we sell ourselves is how we will be bought and that this is a sovereign nation and in fact, for anybody who goes into business or partnership, the first interest of any potential business partner is a sense of integrity and a value system and so if you tell the Ghanaian people that our culture frowns on this (LGBTQ) but because of a few thousand or million dollars worth of investment that is not even proven will come, you push it aside, Ghana will be seen as the country that does not have integrity and any true businessman will not come here to work with us.

    “So let us not buy into the rhetoric and let us stop regurgitating that rhetoric that if we pass the bill, something will happen to us,” he added.

    He encouraged fellow Ghanaians not to embrace the rhetoric that passing the anti-LGBTQ Bill would lead to negative consequences, challenging the notion that economic interests should dictate the country’s moral stance.

    In response to Ambassador Palmer’s concerns that the bill could deter foreign investors and exporters, Sam George proposed that Ghana should leverage its unique strengths, particularly its safe and vibrant democracy, which has attracted international organizations and corporations to set up their headquarters in the country.

    He advised against compromising these strengths for short-term gains, urging Ghana to stand its ground during negotiations and avoid being swayed by external pressures.

    Ultimately, Sam George’s message centered on the idea that Ghana’s value is not solely determined by economic indicators, but also by its cultural heritage, democratic stability, and ethical principles.