He made the argument after the Finance Ministry wrote to President Akufo-Addo, on March 4, advising him to refrain from signing the passed Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill into law.

The Finance Ministry cautioned that such action could lead to severe repercussions on the country’s financial support from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.

The statement highlighted concerns that the expected US$300 million financing from the First Ghana Resilient Recovery Development Policy Operation (Budget Support), currently awaiting Parliamentary approval, might not be disbursed if the bill is signed into law.

However, Prof. Gatsi said loan agreements signed with the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund do not reflect LGBTQI+ conditions.

“When the IMF deal was signed, there was no condition regarding LGBTQ. The same hold when the World Bank loan was approved by parliament. The only condition was that the legislature must consider the loan and pass it”.

“So to come at this hour indicating that if we go ahead to sign the LGBTQ Bill into law, then all those monies will elude us, does not reflect the terms of the agreement we signed with the IMF and the World Bank”, he said.

He pointed out that the demands made by international donors and organisations do not align with African values and culture.

According to him, the relationship between African governments and the international organisations must be limited to business and partnerships.

“That is the way we can work together. They need us, we need them. That is the situation,” he said.
Professor Gatsi is of the view that Ghana and its leaders need to stand firm when it comes to the values that society hold dear.

“I will not say they are hypocritical at this point. All I will say is that, some of their thinking does not reflect our society and we are reminded to protect our society. That is the difference and they need to get to that point to accept what we are doing” he stated.

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The Member of Parliament representing the South Dayi constituency in the Volta Region is not the least enthused about the President’s stance on the bill after its passage by parliament.

President Akufo-Addo has reassured the international community of Ghana’s commitment to upholding human rights despite the passage of the bill.

Addressing concerns during a diplomatic engagement on March 4, the President emphasised that Ghana remains steadfast in its long-standing reputation for respecting human rights and adherence to the rule of law.

He clarified that the Bill is facing a legal challenge at the Supreme Court and that until a decision is arrived at, no action would be taken by his government on the private Member’s bill.

But speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Tuesday, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor said “Constitutionally, the President is being reckless” with his handling of the bill.

According to him, the constitution empowers the President to propose the necessary amendments to the bill or reject it outright if he’s entirely against it, but he’s rather planning on delaying its passage with flimsy excuses.

“I think the President is being constitutionally reckless in the sense that, there’s a presumption of regularity of the performance of the President until a court pronounces otherwise. That is why even when the president’s election into office is challenged, all the actions that he would undertake are presumed to be regular and constitutional until he’s removed by a court of law, which is the Supreme Court.”

So, this is the provision in the Constitution. When you decide to veto a bill, there’s a procedure under Article 106 (8) for you to follow. Let me cite two examples. We’ve passed three private member’s bills in parliament and remitted them to the office of the President. The president has refused to assent to them, kept the bills and recently in December wrote a long memo to the Speaker of Parliament which is in breach of the 14-day time limit.”

The MP further explained that “where the President refuses to assent to a bill, he shall within 14 days after the refusal, (a) state in a memorandum to the Speaker any specific provisions of the bill which in his opinion should be reconsidered by parliament including his recommendations for amendment if any, or (b) inform the Speaker that he has referred the bill to the Council of State for consideration and comments under Article 90 of this constitution.”

He said per this reading of the law, the President has no business under the law to keep the bill, something he suspects the President might do when the bill is forwarded to him based on his preliminary comments and precedence with other private members’ bills.

“Where you have a strong disposition to not assenting to a bill, it is not your business under law to keep it. Perhaps, your reservation about the bill is in respect of some provisions or the entire bill; just say so to Parliament.

“Now, if parliament finally remits this bill to the office of the President, he’s going to detain it until maybe two or three years when the Supreme Court makes a determination in the matter. Parliament will not be able to proceed as determined under Article 106 which says where the President remits in terms of the bill back to parliament with explanatory amendments and all that, parliament is mandated to refer that back to a committee to consider, return to the house and then it will be considered and approved by a two-thirds majority, and when that is done, it is remitted to the office of the President for his assent without hesitation.

According to Mr Dafeamekpor, if the President doesn’t respond to the bill with a definite position when it is finally presented to him, parliament cannot go ahead to take any further action.

“What are you going to act on? Because there’s no memo from the President saying that I have refused assent or not. So he’s holding everybody to ransom and that’s not the rule of law. And you can’t have an executive President acting this way” he fumed.

When the host of the show reminded him that his analysis was merely hypothetical since the President has not specifically stated a refusal to approve the bill, the South Dayi MP retorted, “It is not hypothetical. I have given you an example that the President breached Article 106 (8) when between August and December he decided to withhold a bill that he was supposed to have remitted and responded to within 14 days, he returned it after six months. That’s even a matter that I am contemplating suing. We can’t allow the President to do that. He’s playing tricks with everybody whimsically. He has no regard for the constitution.

On Tuesday, March 5, a journalist cum lawyer, Richard Dela Sky filed a lawsuit against Parliament at the Supreme Court regarding the passage of the anti-LGBTQ+ bill.

The reliefs sought by the journalist include an order restraining President Akufo-Addo from assenting to the bill and also preventing the “Speaker of Parliament and the Clerk to Parliament from presenting ‘The Human and Sexual Values Bill, 2024’ to the President of the Republic for his assent.”

Already, a lawsuit against the anti-LGBTQ bill (Amanda Odoi vs. Speaker & Attorney General) has been pending at the Supreme Court since June 2023, and now awaiting adjudication on the merits.

The court, which heard the application for an interlocutory injunction asked the plaintiff to wait for the legislative process to conclude.

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The Coalition of Muslim Organisations, Ghana (COMOG), has said Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia should be worried about President Akufo-Addo’s posture on the  anti-LGBTQ+ bill.

According to the Chairman on Media and Research Committee, Mohammed Shamsudeen Shaibu, Akufo-Addo is ruining the political fortunes of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer with his actions.

Mr Shaibu made these comments on Adom FM Burning Issues following Akufo-Addo’s announcement to await a Supreme Court ruling on the bill which is being challenged before making a decision.

Speaking at the New Year greetings event with members of the Diplomatic Corps at Peduase, the President emphasised Ghana’s commitment to upholding its Human Rights record.

However, Mr Sahibu has questioned why the ruling of the apex court must determine whether or not Akufo-Addo will assent to the bill.

In his view, the majority of Ghanaians are in support of the bill, hence the President’s delay tactic is unnecessary.

“Across the house, we never saw any MP against the bill so why should the president delay and consider someone is going to court on what basis?

“Is it to derail or unnecessarily delay the process so that he will not sign before he leaves office? Vice President Bawumia should be worried because his political fortunes is being ruined by the actions of Akufo-Addo,” he stated.

On February 28, 2024, Parliament unanimously approved the bill that criminalises LGBTQ+ activities, as well as their promotion, advocacy, and funding.

Those found guilty could face a jail term ranging from 6 months to 3 years, while those promoting and sponsoring the act could face a jail term between 3 to 5 years.

Despite intense call for Akufo-Addo immediately sign the bill, he says it is yet to reach his desk.

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The legal practitioner has said the court will be provided with all the facts on why the Bill is important which will be thoroughly examined.

This according to him will leave no room for opponents to preach propaganda on the basis of human right.

“They say they are going to court, the law school is very close to Supreme Court, and we are waiting for Audrey Gadzekpo. In the Supreme Court, she won’t get the opportunity to preach propaganda, the court will examine the evidence, we will present graphic evidence, we will demonstrate the sexual activities they engage in.

“So, Audrey, get ready, we are going to expose all these things, don’t think you are coming to court to talk about human rights, civil rights, no. In the court of law, we will prove the facts and the court will see what you are doing to Ghanaian children,” he stated in an interview on Accra-based 3FM.

Professor Gadzepko, who is the Board Chair for the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD) Ghana among others have vowed to seek redress in the Supreme Court if President Akufo-Addo assents the Bill into law.

Following the passage of the Bill by Parliament on Wednesday, they have argued the current state violates human rights.

If assented to by the President, the bill will impose sanctions on willful promotion and engagement in LGBTQ activities in the country.

The bill prescribes a minimum sentence of six months and a maximum of three years for individuals caught in the act of same-sex activities.

Despite the opposing views, lawyer Foh-Amoaning has said the bill is a step in the right direction.

“Once a society decides that this sort of behaviour is something we don’t like and therefore we are criminalizing it, you cannot promote it.

“Otherwise, you will be committing a crime, you are abetting, you are preparing, you are assisting, all of which are offences under the law,” he added.

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According to him, Akufo-Addo is a smart politician who will put the interest of the nation first.

“Well, the President is a very smart politician and what I’ve told everybody who’s asked me this question is, first of all there’s no President who has ascended the presidency of Ghana who has used the word of God more than this President.

“So, the point I’m trying to make is, with all that I know about the President, I know he will sign this bill,” he said in an interview on Accra-based 3FM.

The Bill passed on Wednesday by Parliament currently proscribes lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) activities and criminalises their promotion, advocacy and funding.

Persons caught in these acts would be subjected to six months to three-year jail term with promoters and sponsors of these acts bearing a three to five-year jail term.

The Bill would now require presidential assent to come into force but has been met with fierce criticisms amidst calls for Akufo-Addo for reject it.

The critics have argued the bill violates and infringes on fundamental human rights and have threatened to initiate legal action against it.

However, the legal practitioner has fought off the assertions, stating the bill will not criminalise individuals but provide care, treatment, and support.

“The focus of the Coalition is not to criminalize or dump people in prisons…those people who get caught in these challenges, we were very clear in our mind that what they needed was care treatment and support, and it’s in the bill.

“Sam George himself has been educated by relating with us. He has understood how false this whole human rights argument is, and when I listen to Audrey, she’s only talking standard LGBT template arguments. So, Sam probably then was not educated and he tells me that is the thing that pushed him and made him realize this is serious,” he added.

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In this regard, the President, Reverend Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi has called for a review of the anti-gay bill which proscribes lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) activities and criminalises their promotion, advocacy and funding.

“We think that in the case of this particular law and the way it is being implemented, being placed in prison as the punishment that they have chosen, it is not going to solve the problem. Because you see if you round up same-sex people and you know our prisons, they are going to end up in the same room and what is going to prevent them from going through these activities in the prison?

“And you are not going to put them there forever because they are going to be there for three months to six months. And then they practice this and come out as more experts at it than when you sent them there. Then you release them back into society. So, what is going to happen?” he quizzed in an interview on Accra-based Citi FM.

Reverend Gyamfi’s comment comes after Parliament on February 28 passed the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values bill to criminalizes LGBTQ activities, their promotion, advocacy, and funding.

Individuals found guilty could face a jail term ranging from six months to three years, while promoters and sponsors of these activities could face a three-to-five-year jail term.

The passage has however been met with mixed reactions from groups and individuals both in Ghana and abroad while Ghanaians wait on President Nana Akufo-Addo to assent it into law.

There have also been several threats of legal action should the President go ahead to assent to the bill.

Acknowledging the church was not against the bill, he stressed reformative and corrective sanctions will be better.

“That is why we were concerned about a punishment that will correct them, that will reform them. So if the government is going this way or if the parliament is going this way that is why we are suggesting that in the prison there, they should add more of the corrective and reformative measures,” he said,

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In a statement the group said the bill was discriminatory, hence the call for Akufo-Addo to uphold the values of democracy and supremacy of the constitution.

Rightify Ghana noted the bill has a blatant disregard for the principles of democracy, and human rights and will exacerbate the existing inequalities by further marginalising LGBTQI individual and restrict their access to essential services.

“President Akufo-Addo must stand firm in defending the right and dignity of all Ghanaians, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity,” the group appealed.

Parliament on Wednesday, February 28, unanimously passed the Anti-LGBTQ+ bill after three years.

Known as the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values bill, it seeks to criminalise lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ+) and related activities.

The Bill currently proscribes lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) activities and criminalises their promotion, advocacy and funding.

Persons caught in these acts would be subjected to six months to three-year jail term with promoters and sponsors of these acts bearing a three to five-year jail term.

The Bill would now require presidential assent to come into force.

However, there have been numerous calls for Akufo-Addo not to assent to the bill coupled with threats of legal action if he does.

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Below is Rightify Ghana’s statement:

In a statement, the Executive Director Winnie Byanyima stated the bill after assented by President Nana Akufo-Addo into law will affect everyone.

Parliament on Wednesday, February 28, unanimously passed the Anti-LGBTQ+ bill following the completion of the third reading.

The bill has been a topic of intense debate and discussion since its introduction to parliament three years ago.

Proponents have argued that it is necessary to uphold cultural and religious values, and opponents are of the view that portions of the Bill violate human rights and promote discrimination.

The passage has been met with mixed reaction amidst threats of legal action if Akufo-Addo assents to the bill into law.

Wading into the controversy, UNAIDS has said the bill will exacerbate fear, hate and incite violence against fellow Ghanaians as well as negatively impact free speech and freedom of association.

The Executive Director has noted evidence shows such punitive measures like the bill a barrier to ending AIDS and ultimately undermining everyone’s health.

Also, it will obstruct access to live-saving services, undercut social protection and jeopardise Ghana’s development success.

UNAIDS had earlier rejected the bill, describing it as a gross violation” of human rights and could set back a decade of progress fighting HIV/AIDS in Ghana.

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Below is the statement:

The bill 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.

MPs frustrated attempts to replace prison sentences with community service and counselling.

Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express, Dr Odoi highlighted the trend observed in various countries where individuals, feeling targeted or unsafe due to discriminatory legislation, choose to leave.

She, therefore, concluded that with the passage of the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, there could be a significant departure of skilled individuals who have been trained in the country.

“The passage of the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill will increase the rate of brain drain. We’ve realized that in most countries, people who feel that they are being targeted are leaving. So right now, by passing this Bill, a lot of skilled people we have trained may have to leave this country at this point because they do not feel safe,” she said on Wednesday.

The academic further explained that the country has invested time and resources in training these skilled individuals, and losing them due to the passage of the bill could have negative consequences for the nation’s development and progress.

Parliament on Wednesday, February 28, unanimously passed the Anti-LGBTQ+ bill following the completion of the third reading.

The anti-LGBTQ+ Bill has been a topic of intense debate and discussion since it was introduced to the legislature three years ago. While proponents argued that it is necessary to uphold cultural and religious values, opponents argued that portions of the Bill violates human rights and promotes discrimination.

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

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The group has kicked against the bill also known as the anti LGBTQI+, arguing that it infringes on Ghana’s diverse cultural and religious landscape.

The anti-LGBTQ+ bill was unanimously passed by Parliament on February 28, after nearly three years of deliberation. The bill seeks to criminalise the activities of the LGBTQ+ community.

It 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.

MPs frustrated attempts to replace prison sentences with community service and counselling.

Speaking to JoyNews, the Board Chair of the Ghana Center for Democratic Development CDD-Ghana, Professor Audrey Gadzekpo, said the groups will make presentations to President Akufo-Addo not to assent to the passage of the anti-LGBTQ+ bill.

She expressed disappointment that with all the opportunities Ghana had when the bill was proposed, Parliament did not see good reason to decide that such a bill did not fit into the country’s democracy.

“It’s an obnoxious bill. It’s kind of like criminal libel, which the colonialists introduced, and we retained it. And it was used improperly against people, including journalists. We will come to find that this is like that,” she said.

Prof. Gadzekpo hoped that a government characterised by sound judgment would assume power and repeal the bill.

Commenting on the next line of action for the coalition since Parliament has passed the bill, Prof Gadzekpo said the group will continue to pursue their advocacy and continue to repeat why the anti-LGBTQ+ bill is harmful to the country’s democracy and development.

She was optimistic that President Akufo-Addo would listen to their plight.

“So we will make representation to the president, not to assent to the bill. I personally believe that this bill’s proposal through enactment – even the argumentation has very little to do with wanting to safeguard Ghanaian family values because the present danger that endangers our family values were never addressed in this bill.

“This bill was just narrowly targeted at minorities because they know that a majority of people don’t agree with a sexuality that is not binary.

“But the fact that a majority of people don’t agree with a minority position doesn’t make the majority right. It’s such a fundamental principle of democracy. That is why there are so many provisions in democratic constitutions that protect minorities and minority views and rights, but unfortunately, it fell on deaf ears,” she stressed.

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The Effutu MP has reiterated that he is against the law, however, has issues with the punitive measures.

In an interview on Accra-based Citi TV, Mr Afenyo-Markin proposed the punishment must be reviewed.

“I think that the latest law we have in parliament, LGBT thing, I think that we shouldn’t be emotional about it. I have been thinking, battling this, should a man be incarcerated because of sexual relationships?

“I have been asking that. In principle, I’m not against the need to enact Ghanaian values but the punishment bit,” he said.

Mr Afenyo-Markin had earlier opposed the provision of the bill that would lead to the imprisonment of individuals accused of engaging in or promoting LGBTQ+ activities.

He contended the bill’s punitive action would not aid in rehabilitating the culprits.

But the lawmaker has insisted that the law if passed, also has the potential to gag media houses.

“What you the media seem not to have realised is that there’s a subtle gag on you and also reintroduce criminal liable law. You guys have not read it?” he questioned.

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In his submission on JoyNews’ Newsfile, Sam George, one of the sponsors of the bill explained some anomalies were detected.

“It was not the motion put forward by my learned senior and friend, Afenyo-Markin, that prevented the third reading of the bill. We ourselves had detected some anomalies and errors in the draft document and had asked same to be worked on which, at the time Afenyo-Markin was making his submission, they had not been rectified” Sam George stated.

“That explains why my colleague, the co-sponsor, stood up to support Afenyo-Markin. Putting it on hold at the time was the best means to get the bill cleaned before it is passed into law” he indicated.

Though he affirmed that he does not agree with the position of Mr Afenyo-Markin in its entirety, there are aspects of his submissions which are in tandem with the principles underpinning the bill as contained in the draft document.

Afenyo-Markin, in his submission on the floor of Parliament, averred that, though he is in full support of the anti-LGBT Bill, he begs to differ on the custodial sentence portion of the bill.

He advocated the need to change that part to community service. In his view, imprisonment would not lead to those inmates being reformed or corrected to be able to reintegrate into the larger society after being cured.

Meanwhile, Chairman of Parliament’s Constitutional and Legal Committee, Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi, in a separate interview with Asaase Radio, shared the sentiments expressed by Afenyo-Markin.

“So Afenyo’s argument which to me is very sound, that this issue we have made it an offence, punish them but you can give them a community service, which we are yet to develop, to me is the best” he posited.

Parliament is yet to fine-tune the Anti-LGBT Bill draft before it is passed into law. It is believed that, sooner than later, the bill will become law.

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A sponsor of the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, Sam George has explained that Deputy Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin did not block the third reading of the bill.

Early on Thursday, February 15, Mr Afenyo-Markin opposed the provision of the bill that would lead to the imprisonment of individuals accused of engaging in or promoting LGBTQ+ activities.

According to him, the bill’s punitive action would not aid in rehabilitating the culprits.

Reports have suggested that but for his opposition, the passage of the controversial legislation would have gone through today.

But Sam George insists that Afenyo-Markin did not ‘arrest of the third reading’ of the bill.

Speaking on Joy FM’s TopStory on February 15, he argued that “Afenyo Markin did not arrest the third reading. He would have been defeated with ease on the floor.”

He clarified that he and another sponsor, Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah intended to do a second consideration of the bill.

“We, as sponsors have about 10 amendments we want to make to the draft the persons have brought. For example, if you look at the head notes of what the draft person have brought, we agreed at the House to delete Ghanaian. So, the bill will not read Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values; it will read Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill.

“We decided to delete ‘proper and  Ghanaian.’ They did that but in some of the clauses you still see Ghanaian repeat itself there so we needed to clean those things up so we ourselves were going to do a second consideration.”

As such, he said after Mr Afenyo-Markin contributed to the debate, his co-sponsor seconded the motion, implying the Deputy Majority Leader did not disrupt the third reading.

“That is the reason why my co-sponsor Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah responded by seconding the motion. So, Afenyo did not have what it took to arrest the bill,” he said.

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Presidential hopeful, Nana Kwame Bediako, has refused to comment on the anti-LGBTQI+ Bill which is before Parliament for consideration.

The founder of the New Force Movement admitted a country cannot be built without moral values, however, his religion does not allow him to be judgmental.

“They taught me in Christianity that I should fear God and worship Him. They didn’t teach me to go and sack prostitutes or persons who engage in immorality,” he stated.

Aside from this, he stated he does not have much understanding about the Bill and what seeks to do in Ghana.

The business mogul disclosed this in an interview on Asempa FM Ekosii Sen programme when asked about his position on the Bill which has sparked controversy in the past years.

According to him, there are a number of illegalities being perpetuated with culprits getting away all the time.

In this regard, if Bills were to be introduced based on every action, the country would have had a lot of them.

“There are a lot of people doing illegal stuff and they are getting away so it’s not something that I have really thought of that when I come into office, I will eliminate all these things.

“I think that when we decide to build the country well, all these things will eventually fade away,” he asserted.

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Listen to Nana Bediako in the video attached above:

Foh-Amoaning who is the Executive Secretary of the National Coalition of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values (NCPHSRFV) criticised the MP over the delayed passage of the Bill.

The lawyer asserted that, there was a deliberate attempt by Mr Antwi-Anyimadu who is the Chairman of the Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs Committee to delay the Bill.

Reacting to the backlash, the MP stated he will not fault the legal prcatitioner.

This according to the Chairman is because he[Foh-Amoaning] is not a parliamentarian, hence not privy to what is accounting for the delay.

“He has every right to say that but he doesn’t know what is happening so I forgive him. I have not made any pronouncement that suggest I’m against this Bill but the challenge we are facing is just due to the lack of patience. He is not in our meetings so doesn’t know what is going on,” he said on Accra-based Okay FM.

Mr Anyimadu-Antwi further cautioned against politicising the Bill, stressing it will be difficult to reach a consensus.

Meanwhile, Foh-Amoaning has charged the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), which campaigned with the slogan ‘The battle is the Lord’s’ to lead the charge in championing the passage of the Bill.

He also called on political party leaders, including flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia (NPP), John Dramani Mahama and independent candidate, Alan Kyerematen to publicly declare their positions on the LGBTQ+ Bill.

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Bishop Osei-Bonsu maintained that, the position of the church is clear on same-sex marriage.

According to him, the directive is that same-sex couples can be blessed and not an endorsement that Catholic priests can officiate same-sex marriages.

The news which broke out on Monday sparked a wave of contrasting sentiments around the world, particularly among Ghanaians on social media.

In an interview on Adom FM’s morning show, Dwaso Nsem, Bishop Osei-Bonsu appealed for calm, stating that, there is no need for confusion or chaos.

“The church can bless anyone by praying for them so if a member of the LGBTQI+ community come for blessing, you don’t have to turn them away. This directive is therefore not for same-sex marriage or union because the Catholic church does not accept it,” he allayed fears.

This comes at a time Ghana’s Parliament is pushing for the passage of the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill 2021 also known as the anti LGBTQI+ Bill.

Progress on the Bill had stalled for months, evoking the anger of its proponents who had accused some Members of Parliament of colluding with pro-LGBT campaigners to delay its passage.

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 in Ghana.

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This comes after the Commission of Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) advocated for a revision of 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 also voiced out their support for the bill and also emphasized that criminalizing sexual orientation of individuals is wrong.

Speaking on Starr FM, the Country Director, Genevieve Partington said the Bill is against the Constitution of Ghana and must 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.

“So it is going to bring homophobia in Ghana” adding that now that Ghana gives visa on arrival tourists may be wrongly arrested.

“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.

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According to him, since the anti LGBTQI+ Bill is currently in the consideration stage, it will be passed within a short time.

Speaking on JoyFM’s Top Story on Friday, December 8, he said, “I am happy that today everyone who is in support of the bill has contributed to make sure that the bill has started its consideration stage. And we are hopeful that in a very short time, we will complete the consideration of the bill.”

The Ningo-Prampram MP explained that, his excitement stems from the collaboration and support the bill has received from both sides of the House, adding that, should it continue at this rate, he is optimistic that it could be passed in the next two weeks.

“I anticipate and believe very firmly that we will pass this bill and this bill will go through the third reading before we rise on the 22nd of December. The Speaker himself made that clear yesterday when he spoke in Parliament, so within the next two weeks, I expect that we should be done with this bill,” he added.

Parliament on Friday, December 8, commenced work on the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill 2021.

The bill which is being taken through the consideration stage, is to be streamlined to resonate with existing Ghanaian laws.

Progress on the bill had stalled for months, evoking the anger of its proponents who had accused some Members of Parliament of colluding with pro-LGBT campaigners to delay its passage.

In a fiery 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 LGBTQ should return whatever influence they have collected because we will fight, and the next time we address the media, I will mention names.”

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.

The Bill which is being taken through the consideration stage, is to be streamlined to resonate with existing Ghanaian laws.

Progress on the Bill had stalled for months, evoking the angst of its proponents who had accused some Members of Parliament of colluding with pro-LGBT campaigners to delay its passage.

In a fiery 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.”

Meanwhile, the Bill is being considered in the absence of the Chairman of the Constitution and Legal Affairs Committee.

Early on this week, a similar situation had led to the grounding of work on the Bill.

The Deputy Majority Chief Whip, Lydia Alhassan, had said that the Chairman of the Committee, who proposed the amendment in the bill was indisposed at the time and absent from the floor, hence the need to postpone work on the bill.

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.

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Sponsors of the controversial anti-LGBTQ bill are furious over the lack of action on their Bill.

The Private Members’ Bill, sponsored by Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram, Sam George, has been stuck at the consideration stage for months without progress.

But before Parliament adjourned for the day, Sam George voiced his concerns.

“This is something that will take us one hour. For three weeks, what is the problem of this august house with dealing with this bill, which matters to the Ghanaian people? So Mr Speaker, I want to know if there is a problem with us taking this bill once and for all. If there is no problem, let’s take it,” he told the House on Wednesday, December 6.

Deputy Majority Whip, Lydia Alhassan said there was enough time before Parliament’s break to deal with the matters relating to the controversial bill.

She added that, the Chairman of the Committee, who proposed the amendment in the Bill was indisposed at the time and absent on the floor.

“The committee chair is not available and the directive is that we end with the questions. We engaged and the agreement is we end on questions and we continue tomorrow… We have the whole day tomorrow for other businesses. How long does it take, less than an hour we’ll be done with the budget my dear,” she added.

Despite this, the Deputy Speaker adjourned the House, throwing it into near chaos.

Legislators from both sides exchanged words as they exited the Chamber.

The drama continued outside the floor as the foyer saw a heated outburst by the minority members.

At a brief conference after the sitting, Sam George took exception to what he believes are calculated attempts by some members of the Majority to prevent the progress of the Bill.

He found the reason given for the postponement untenable.

“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.”

“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.

“I’ve been impressed upon today by my co-sponsors, not to mention names and it’s out of respect for them that I’m not mentioning names… How can this bill spend almost three years, this bill was introduced in 2021,” he exclaimed.

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Personally, he said, he does not think that somebody claiming to be a lesbian or gay should go to jail.

Speaking in an interview on Accra-based TV3, the Effutu lawmaker said “I am a Catholic and the position of the Catholic church is very clear, … and I don’t think that what the church has said I should hold a contrary view to it.

“The church says that by the culture of  Africans, we are against same-sex marriage, but it is also against criminalizing somebody who has that sexual orientation. I am a catholic, I don’t hold a contrary view to what the Catholic church is saying. The Catholic Church is saying it will be wrong to criminalize somebody’s sexual orientation and so be it. Personally, I don’t think that somebody claiming to be a lesbian or gay should go to jail, by virtue of that,” he said.

His comments come after the chancellor of the Pontifical Academies of Sciences, Cardinal Peter Turkson said that there is no need to criminalise homosexuality.

Cardinal Peter Turkson speaking on BBC’s Hardtalk programme, said persons with gay and lesbian tendencies have committed no crime.

The interview was held against the background that Ghana‘s Parliament is currently considering the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, 2021 that if passed, will prohibit acts of homosexuality.

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This stand of the entire membership of the House has infuriated a number of persons, who are either practitioners or adherents of the LGBTQI+ with the explanation that the bill, in its current form, is unconstitutional because it flouts the fundamental human rights of Ghanaians (even though they do not mention those Ghanaians involved or the percentage thereof).

Fundament Human Rights
Since the main objection of most of the opponents to the bill is that it infringes upon the fundamental human rights of Ghanaians, the question to answer is:

“What is a fundamental human right? Another one is whether gayism, lesbianism and queer life qualify to be fundamental human rights?

Whatever is “fundamental” for anything is a necessary base or core for it. Fundamental human rights are therefore basic, rudimentary, elementary, primary, essential, necessary, critical and key, etc. to life.

This means that society will collapse if such rights of its members are not protected. It is for this reason that the right to a peaceful livelihood has to be protected at the expense of the State.

However, it does not include what the law regards as criminal like stealing or murdering someone else and many similar others just to earn our living or enjoy ourselves.

Crimes such as corruption, theft, suicide, etc. are committed by the blind side of law enforcement agents because they are concealed.

Those that come to light openly are dealt with in accordance with the law. Now, how fundamental to life is the practice of gayism, lesbianism and its queer style of life? Will the nation perish or crumble to a halt without its acceptance?

Freedom of Life
It is not against the laws of Ghana for any person to remain single and prevent the procreation agenda of God from being fulfilled through him or her.

It is, however, against both our laws and culture to enjoy the sweet sensation that goes with marriage through the “back door”.

People cannot get other peoples’ children to teach, medicate, entertain, etc. to earn their living without any contributions from them in bringing more of such “customers” in society.

It is wondered if society can be said to owe such group of persons any obligation to protect them by law.

They may practise their vocation just as thieves do and continue praying that they will remain concealed and not be caught by the law one day.

We should therefore be grateful to our Parliament for totally adopting the bill at its second reading and hopefully, is going to pass it soon.

Social Contract
No freedom in any State is absolute. The Human Rights concept is to provide just enough room for the citizen to enjoy his/her living.

Historians of Political Thought, Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, J. J. Rousseau and others, teach us that before the emergence of the concept of the State, with all its liberties and security, etc., man was living a life that was “brutish and short”.

Coming together to form the State implied entering into a “social contract” by which each person voluntarily spared some of his or her personal liberties to enable him or her to enjoy the benefits of the State.

No one had the right to do whatever pleased him or her. Human rights cannot, therefore, be absolute.

It is only a basic privilege otherwise why do we prosecute persons who attempt to take their own lives or wee smokers whose brains are only theirs and not for anybody else?

Economic Influences
Discussing the bill at its Second Reading, a member raised the fact that gayism and lesbianism, etc. cannot be (and have not been) mentioned, let alone practised, in any of the Arabic Islamic states.

He went on, rightly, to say that the Westerners feel that because of economic vulnerability of African States, they can easily penetrate their ranks.

One of the solutions, in my opinion, lies in making our independence truly meaningful by thinking more of our economy than politics.

Parliament’s role here is therefore to help reduce too much politics in the country and concentrate more on the improvement of our economic development, no matter the party in power.

Another reason appears to be that we have not been successful in bargaining strongly for what we should accept.

We, in Africa, have been made to swallow anything from the Western countries including this gayism, lesbianism and its queer life.

For example, the Westerners have succeeded in getting the United Nations to extend the definition of “child labour” in cocoa growing areas to the age of 15 years at which, some of us were capable of securing some weeding contracts from farmers during our vacation periods to earn funds to sustain ourselves in schools rather than relying solely on our parents.

With their definition of “child labour”, our parents are being forced to lose the services of their children who need to be groomed to take over their farms when they cease to be effective due to ageing.

The Churches

Over-copying and too much “book long” are also other reasons we can cite. We tend to overlook the Biblical and “Koranic” injunctions and prefer doing what is an abomination to those religions.

It will not be surprising to discover that many of the opposing noises we hear are those of some people who call themselves Christians from whose Bible it is decreed in Leviticus chapter 18 (Good News Version): that “No man is to have sexual relations with another man; God hates” (vs, 22) and also that: “No man or woman is to have sexual relations with an animal; that perversion makes you ritually unclean” (vs. 23).

It goes on further to say (in verse 29) that: “You know that whoever does any of these disgusting things will no longer be considered one of God’s people”, and that God was quoted in an earlier verse that: He was “punishing the pagans who originally occupied the land that He was giving to the Israelites because they were doing all these disgusting things and made the land unclean” (verse 27).

Our churches should, therefore, hit very hard on these injunctions to save the people and, for that matter, the nation.

God bless our Homeland Ghana and make our Nation Great and Strong.

(The writer is the Registrar, Ghana Christian University College, Amrahia – Accra)

According to Ellen Ama Daaku, the Communications Minister only gave a reply she saw fit for her colleague’s comment.

“If you insult someone and you are in the same space and you are asked to retract and you refuse, the person has the right to reply. In this altercation, Hon Murtala said what he said and got the reply for it,” she said on Accra-based TV3.

There was a brief interruption in Parliament on Wednesday as the microphones in parliament picked up a whisper while South Dayi MP, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor was on the floor arguing over the legislation of the Anti-LGBTQ bill.

The Second Deputy Speaker who was in the chair, called out Mr Mohammed and asked him to withdraw an unparliamentary comment he was deemed to have passed.

Mrs Owusu-Ekuful, who was incensed by the development, accused the legislator of calling her a practitioner of LGBTQ, claims Mr Murtala vehemently denied.

She burst out and called out all other legislators who she believed heard the comment but turned deaf ears to it.

But to Madam Daaku, the issue wouldn’t have escalated in the manner it did if the Tamale Central MP had initially apologised when the Speaker ordered.

“Hon Murtala should have withdrawn but he refused. It doesn’t matter whether he said it into the microphone or not so Ursula also has the right to defend herself. Nobody needs to defend her. She is woman enough to defend herself and gave the reply she saw fit,” she stated.

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The Ningo Prampram Member of Parliament has said their stance on the bill will not deter parliament from passing the bill for the greater good of the people of Ghana.

On Wednesday, all 275 MPs unanimously consented to the passage of the controversial Promotion of Proper Sexual Human Rights and the Ghanaian Family Values Bill 2021 at a debate in Parliament.

The law seeks to criminalise the practice of LGBTQ and advocacy of same.

But Country Director for Amnesty International-Ghana, Genevieve Partington has said she believes some works still need to be done as the bill in its current form is discriminatory and will promote hate crime when passed.

However, Mr George has said all the work that needs to be done on the bill has been completed in its 18-page document.

“They keep talking about human rights. They should come and show us which part of the bill has issues because we have read the Constitution. So which right are they talking about? America or Ghana right they should show us which UN document supports homosexuality.

“Homosexuality is madness and if they [Amnesty] wants to celebrate that madness, they should do so where they want but not in Ghana,” he fumed on Accra-based Okay FM.

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Speaking on Joy FM’s Top Story on Wednesday, Mr Murtala Mohammed said he “never used the word practitioner”, adding that he did not mention the Communication Minister’s name.

Clarifying the statement he made before the brawl, he said: “The only statement I made which I think the Speaker is asking me to withdraw was that I said every single member of the parliament should be allowed to debate on the bill and that no one should be allowed to sit on the fence.

“And that you are either for the bill or against the bill, those who refuse to support the bill, then everybody will know their position.”

According to him, with the above statement made, he believes Ursula had a position he was not aware of hence the face-off.

“… I never used the word practitioner. In fact, I don’t know the last time I used the word practitioner…perhaps, it is a case of who the cap fits. I never mentioned Ursula’s name, I never said Ursula you are a practitioner,” he insisted.

His comments come in the wake of a brief interruption as the microphones in parliament picked up a whisper while the South Dayi MP, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor was on the floor arguing over the legislation of the Anti-LGBTQ bill.

The Second Deputy Speaker who was in the chair, called out Tamale Central MP, Murtala Mohammed asking him to withdraw an unparliamentary comment he was deemed to have passed.

On the other hand, Mrs Owusu-Ekuful was incensed by the development and accused the legislator of calling her a practitioner of LGBTQ.

“I sat here and repeatedly heard Hon Murtala refer to me as a practitioner of LGBT to the hearing of everyone in this house… and in response to that if I say he is mad, it is only a mad man who will refer to his colleague in this house as a practitioner of LGBTQ when you haven’t seen me having sexual intercourse with your wife or your daughter or your mother,” she flared up.

She burst out and called out all other legislators who she believes heard the comment but turned deaf ears to it.

“And you all [parliamentarians] heard it and pretend that suddenly you’ve lost your sense of hearing,” she added.

Both individuals withdrew their comments at the request of the Second Deputy Speaker and proceedings continued.

Mr Mohammed, in his defence, explained that comments made in Parliament while the microphone is off are not deemed as statements made in Parliament, adding that the Hansard captures statements only made with the microphone.

The Tamale Central MP said that even the Minster was also gesturing “you are mad” in the House, while the South Dayi MP, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor was debating, however, it was taken on because it was not said in the microphone.

Although Mr Mohammed has withdrawn the comments made in the House, he does not believe the withdrawal means an admission of guilt.

“I just withdrew to allow sanity to prevail and that is why I didn’t withdraw a specific statement. It is not an admission of guilt,” he said.

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According to CHRAJ, Section 104 was already sufficient as it has already criminalised the acts of LGBTQI+.

It said if Section 104 was not enough in dealing with the issue, it is better to amend Section 104 than to introduce a whole new bill.

Appearing before the Parliamentary Committee currently engaged in a public hearing on the anti-LGBTQI bill on Monday the Commissioner of CHRAJ, Joseph Whittal, called for caution.

Mr Whittal reiterated:

“Section 104, If there are limitations to 104, we can proceed to amend it instead of coming with a Bill that criminalises all over again.

“If the [Parliamentary] committee believes that the species of activities that are covered under Section 104 in the light of the fact that it is an old legislation, require further improvement by an amendment, that will take care of current and future possible activities, which you would want to criminalise, I said you should go ahead, and that is something you should be looking at instead of this [anti-LGBTQI+] Bill,” he added.

He expressed concerns on certain areas of the Bill which ought to be looked at in line with human rights in relation to international treaties Ghana has already signed on to.

“The Commission takes the view that section 104 has already criminalised the act, that is the position [of the law] so why then add provisions that will now bring other persons or people when they are to do [or] associate one way on the other just like it happened in Ho [Volta Region] into it, why?

“I think section 104 is sufficient and if it is not sufficient, we can make an amendment of that position sufficient to deter people along those lines and not to open up so that anyone of us, like me [Whittal] as a member of the commission or commissioner of CHRAJ with a mandate to promote human rights, if I decide to speak on behalf of minority and the vulnerable, then I’m opening myself to possible criminal prosecution, why will that be? We need to be careful as we consider the Bill.”

Ghana’s commitments internationally

Reacting to an argument earlier put forward by the promoters of the Bill that there was nothing wrong at the international level regarding Ghana’s commitments, Mr Whittal said:

“Again the promoters went a distance at trying to let you as a committee to appreciate that there is nothing wrong at the international level regarding the commitments of Ghana, in the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and other international instruments including the African Charter. I beg to differ.”

Because there are internal comments of the committee on economic, social and cultural rights committee, which have actually defined sexual orientation as a human right and by the way, Ghana has ratified it, without reservation.

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“So what we can do as a nation should be, we have all the power to go back and make some reservations if we want. But to say that is not a human right, I say, once the committee on economic, social and cultural rights, Ghana is a member of the General Assembly of the UN, and is subject to the jurisdiction of that committee, and the general comments of that committee have included sexual orientation as a human right, we need to be very careful because it only takes the Supreme Court to import that into our law…, so let’s be very careful, I think since I’m not here to speak for or against, I’m only drawing attention, that if there are reservations that we have to make, we have to do that so that we know where we are trodding.

Education

The CHRAJ Commissioner said on the African Charter too, the promoters of the Bill picked some provisions and forgot certain provisions.

“If you look at Article 28 of the African Charter, the pivot of that provision is on tolerance and tolerating each other as Africans and as neighbours are very important if citizens are erring on the side of caution on one way or the other, it is about how we tolerate them, what steps we can take to ensure that they come back on the right road and Hon. Ursula Owusu was at pains drawing attention, which I agree with. Article 39 is very clear, the constitution looks forward to ways by which we can improve our culture from what we used to have because as defined by the same committee on economic, social and cultural rights, is not only looking at the past, it is expansive, it looks at the present and considers the future.

“So if there is the need for us to begin looking at certain cultural practices, including the practices that this Bill seeks to outlaw, or to prohibit, why don’t we take the non-criminal perspective, which is working, using institutions like NCCE and us [CHRAJ] among others to effect the necessary change,” he stressed.

He said the Bill should focus on promoting proper family values if that is what the promoters want, that CHRAJ and other bodies such as NCCE and the courts mentioned in the Bill will be prepared to engage.

He said CHRAJ can only integrate certain cultural practices if it is consistent with human rights. “We cannot under the mandate that we run, go and integrate certain cultural practices which you [Parliament] has legislated against but which seem to be human rights within the Ghanaian contest and the international contest.”

Sam George, one of the Members of Parliament (MP) sponsoring the anti-LGBTQI+ bill, is still at sea as to why people think the bill will criminalise homosexuality.

According to him, Ghana is not a secular state, hence, all the bill is seeking to do is to “promote proper human sexual rights and Ghanaian family values.”

The Ningo Prampram legislator made these remarks when he appeared together with his colleague sponsors before the Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee on Monday.

This was at a time the committee tasked to probe memoranda submitted on the bill resumed its public hearing on the bill following a temporal suspension on November 11.

Over 140 memos have been presented to the Committee so far regarding the Bill.

The Bill, if passed in its current state, will criminalise Lesbianism, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and their related activities.

Though he admitted Ghana accepts different religions, he was quick to add the national anthem among other things indicate God is at the centre of the nation.

“We are very confident that Ghana is not a secular state; Ghana is a pluralistically religious state and we cannot allow homosexual activities.

“Mr Chairman, before we started this meeting you asked for prayer either a Christian, Muslim or Traditionalist prayer we accept different religions but we are a nation that respects God and He has a place in our nation.

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“Our national anthem is a prayer that starts with God so nobody should call us a secular state,” he stated.

He further argued the legislators sponsoring the bill are only offering protection and support to the vulnerable and economically disadvantaged for victims of homosexuality.

Play the audio attached for more:

This follows a temporal suspension barely 24 hours after the committee held its first hearing on Thursday, November 11, 2021.

About eight persons or organisations are expected to appear before the Committee to make their presentations, after which further interrogations will follow.

The Committee is expected to give audience to the authors of over 150 memoranda on the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values bill.

Closing the first session of public hearings on Thursday [November 11, 2021], Chairman of the Committee, Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi, cited time constraints as the reason for the suspension of the hearings.

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“We haven’t finished with the public hearings. There are other memoranda that we have received but we are constrained with time and we cannot predict what time we would have to meet and continue,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ningo-Prampram Member of Parliament, Samuel George, and one of the sponsors of the anti-LGBTQI Bill described as satisfactory the first day of the public hearing on the bill.

The group, at a press conference, vowed the members are fully prepared to fight the practice with the last of their strength even if the country decides to accept the practice.

They have also called on the relevant opinion leaders and citizens of the country to stand strongly against the practice since they believe it will destroy the morals and norms of society.

The Chairman, Ustaz Daanaa Gurmdoo Sule, speaking on behalf of the group, said they will not only fight the LGBTQI+ but also sex workers in the metropolis.

Prostitution has become very rampant in Tamale after the former minister of the region, Salifu Saeed placed a ban on the already illegal practice since some citizens have joined Nigerians in the ‘work’.

“LGBTQI+ will never get space in Tamale and those practising prostitution in the city should desist from the practice since we will soon chase them off the streets.

“The ashawo girls this is a warning to them, they should vacate from Tamale before it’s too late because we are making a serious preparation to fight them,” he cautioned.

Mr Daanaa further advised parents to monitor their wards in boarding schools, especially those with smartphones to help stop them from joining the LGBTQI+ practice.

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Some of the participants, who also spoke to Adom News after the briefing, said they will do all they can to stop the act in the region.

The Organiser of the Market Women Association, Joyce Boakye, added: “We have to monitor our children very closely and advise them not to fall for money because the LGBTQI+ promoters use money to influence people to join.”

To him, the bill is misleading and based on speculations, adding he cannot fathom arguments that homosexuality is not a fundamental human right.

“That Bill is absolutely unnecessary. They are wasting everybody’s time. The Bill is saying don’t ever associate if you are persons of the same gender and I cannot support such a situation,” he fumed in an interview on Accra-based Citi FM.

He emphasised the constitution guarantees freedom of association and that cannot be curtailed by any means.

“It is in the constitution that you can make a choice to associate with anybody you want. Why are you saying we cannot associate?

“The Bill speculates that if I associate with another man, the purpose is for us to have sex. We don’t make laws based on speculation,” he said.

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Meanwhile, the Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs Committee on Thursday, commenced a public hearing on various memoranda received on the bill.

With about 160 of those memos for and against the passage of the bill from religious bodies and other groups, the committee offered an opportunity for representatives to appear before it.

But reacting to the hearing, Mr Ndebugre, who is also a private legal practitioner, described it as a waste of time, stating “look at the time they have wasted today. It is on our charge, and it is on the charge of the Consolidated Fund.”

Eight Members of Parliament jointly submitted a private bill to push for the criminalisation of LGBTQI+ activities in the country.

The bill, which they term as a Bill on the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values, was presented to Speaker Alban Bagbin on June 29, 2021.

The proponents want the promotion, advocacy, funding, and acts of homosexuality to be criminalised in the country.

On Thursday, during the first public hearing, groups that are in support of the bill touted it as one that reflects the views of majority of Ghanaians on the subject matter, while the groups against the bill described it as one that is in breach of human rights and against Ghana’s cultural values.

The Committee is expected to give audience to the authors of over 150 memoranda on the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values bill.

Closing the first session of public hearings on Thursday [November 11, 2021], Chairman of the Committee, Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi, cited time constraints as the reason for the suspension of the hearings.

“We haven’t finished with the public hearings. There are other memoranda that we have received but we are constrained with time and we cannot predict what time we would have to meet and continue,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ningo-Prampram Member of Parlimaet, Samuel George, and one of the sponsors of the anti-LGBTQI Bill described as satisfactory the first day of public hearings on the bill.

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“I think it was a good day. Everyone had their say and democracy won. Ghana continues to be a beacon of the African continent.  I am reliably informed that in many European countries where Private Members are laid, the public does not have the opportunity to send in memos talk of public presentation as it was done. So I think this is a feather in our cap as a people,” he said.

The Concerned Ghanaian Citizens, which made an appearance on Day 1 of the public hearing, called on the committee to advise parliament to reject the Bill.

The spokesperson of the group, Akoto Ampaw, said the Speaker of Parliament exercised unreasonable discretion in admitting the bill.

In the group’s view, the bill violates the fundamental human rights of Ghanaians and promotes hate.

Other groups that appeared before the committee on the first day of hearing included the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council, the Human Rights Coalition, Amnesty International and Advocates for Christ.

A total of 150 memoranda have been received on the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, 2021, otherwise referred to as anti LGBTQI+ Bill by the public.

The Deputy Chairman of Business Committee, Mr Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who made this known, said the Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee of Parliament will, from next week, commence sitting to consider the various memoranda that have been received on the bill against lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender, queer and intersex (LGBTQI) activities in Ghana.

He said the committee will consider 10 memoranda each week for the various interested parties who submitted the memoranda to be heard on the bill.
After hearing all the stakeholders, he said the members of the committee will prepare a report and submit same to Parliament for consideration and “for us to make progress”.

Mr Afenyo-Markin, who is also the Deputy Majority Leader, stated this in response to a request by the First Deputy Minority Whip, Mr Ibrahim Ahmed, who sought to know the roadmap to the passage or otherwise of the bill.

Response

Answering, Mr Afenyo-Markin said the sitting would ensure that all parties had a fair hearing before Parliament proceeded on the bill.

He said he had been informed about steps the committee had taken so far.

“Per my calculation, if they are doing 10 memoranda weekly, we do not know if any more memoranda will come, then it means we are looking at 15 weeks for the hearings to be done,” he told the House.

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Dominating proceedings

It is projected that the third meeting of the first session of the Eighth Parliament will be dominated by the bill.

So far, both parties on each side of Parliament have publicly thrown their weight behind the passage of the bill but agreed on the need for some amendments to be made in the bill to fine tune it ahead of its possible passage.

Majority stance

On Wednesday, October 13, 2021, the Majority Leader, Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, gave an assurance that Parliament would not disappoint Ghanaians in the consideration and passage of the bill that seeks to criminalise LGBTQI+ activities in Ghana.

He said MPs were representatives of the people for which reason the citizenry should rest assured that Parliament would not turn its back on them.

Speaking to the press in Parliament to state the stance of the Majority on the bill, Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, who is also the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, expressed doubt that any lawmaker would be against the principles of the bill.

While giving the assurance that Parliament would do the right thing with regard to the bill, the Majority Leader, however, said there was the need for a “careful balance” in assessing it.

Minority’s position

Just two days after the press conference by the Majority, the Minority caucus also held a similar conference on Friday, October 15, 2021 in Parliament, where the Minority Leader, Mr Haruna Iddrisu, stated that his side was resolutely opposed to the introduction, formalisation and legalisation of LGBTQI+ practices and rights in Ghana.

“As representatives of the Ghanaian people, MPs have an obligation to protect the moral fibre of the Ghanaian society and promote the cohesion, unity and preserve Ghana’s time-tested cultural practices and beliefs which have kept us together as one country,” the Minority Leader, Mr Haruna Iddrisu, said when he addressed a press conference in Accra on Friday, October 15, 2021.

According to Mr Buaben, the Speaker is a referee in the House and must not create the impression that he already has a position on the bill.

“I think on this matter he is getting too involved, he is not being the referee that he ought to be and I think it will be important he steps back a bit.

“So that whenever he is called to make a determination it will be accepted on all sides. Because it is almost as if he has made up his mind,” he urged on Accra-based Starr FM.

The private member’s bill dubbed: ‘The Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, 2021’ seeks to criminalise the activities of homosexuals in the country.

Ahead of its consideration in Parliament, there have been widespread pronouncements on the passage.

Some faith-based organisations have warned of dire consequences, amidst threats to vote out any political party that will oppose the bill.

Mr Bagbin had earlier said the activities of homosexuals were worse than the coronavirus pandemic, hence Parliament will pass the bill as soon as possible.

But a few weeks ago, the Majority Leader, Osei-Kyei Mensah-Bonsu said the Speaker cannot predetermine the fate of the Anti LGBTQI+ bill.

According to the leader who doubles as the Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Mr Bagbin is not a parliamentarian, hence the best he can do is to make referrals to the business committees.

However, Mr Buaben, who is also the Communications Director for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) added the Speaker’s posture on the bill could be tricky.

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To him, Mr Bagbin is a smart man and knows what he may be doing.

“Many believe that he is a promoter of the bill, but as a Speaker, you embody the House. You are not part of the disputations, you have to be above it.

“The way he is going about it is a bit tricky but he is smart and knows what he is doing,” he added.

He said this during his welcome address to Members of Parliament (MPs) to the third meeting of the First Session of the 8th Parliament today 26th of October, 2021.

According to the Speaker, Parliament will allow suggestions from the public and civil society organisations but in the end, it is Parliament that will determine the fate of the bill.

He said, it’s not just Africa, but the whole world is looking at Ghana on how the bill will be handled.

Mr Speaker indicated that the House will want to know the stand of every member on the proper human sexual rights and Ghanaian family Values bill.

Meanwhile, the Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu, has pledged his support to the passage of the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian family Values.

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The Majority Leader, Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu, has assured members and the general public that, the House will follow the due process in passing the bill before the House.

Eight Memers of Parliament jointly submitted a private bill to push for the criminalisation of LGBTQI+ activities in the country.

The bill, which they term as a ‘Bill on the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values, was presented to Speaker Alban Bagbin on June 29, 2021.

The proponents want the promotion, advocacy, funding, and acts of homosexuality to be criminalised in the country.

The Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs Committee of Parliament has so far received over 120 memoranda from the public about the passage of the bill.

The MP, in a Facebook page last week, indicated he was denied a visa to the Netherlands with the explanation that he would not return to Ghana.

He asserted that the denial can only be linked to his association with the anti-LGBTQ bill at a time the controversial debate has heightened in the country.

His social media announcement garnered mixed reactions with colleague MP for Ningo-Prampram, Sam George, who has been at the forefront of the bill, threatening to launch a crusade against the interests of the Dutch in Ghana.

Reacting to the development on his official Twitter page, Mr Verheul did not confirm or deny the lawmaker’s statement.

However, he lamented why the applicant (Mr Suhuyini) did not speak directly to the Embassy as that would have been a better option instead of him running to the media.

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Mr Verheul added it would have also dealt with a lot of miscommunications and misunderstandings in the public.

Further registering his disappointment, he stressed the need for countries to have diplomatic relations and bilateral embassies.

Read the post below:

If the visa applicant only spoke to us directly, instead of through the media, we could avoid a lot of misunderstandings and miscommunication in the (social) media. That’s why it is important to have diplomatic relations and bilateral embassies. https://t.co/DbiHRlTlGJ

— NLAmbassadorGhana (@Verheul_Jeroen) October 17, 2021

Speaking to JoyNews’ Evans Mensah during a one-on-one interview, the Majority Leader described such attempts as unnecessary, adding that the dialogue on rights for the LGBTQ+ community has been shrouded with emotions and sentiments.

He revealed that a section of the public is demanding a live telecast of discussions on the matter so they could target legislators who oppose the passing of the bill.

“Unfortunately, we are introducing in this discourse emotions and sentiments which I think are very unnecessary. With all the threats that are being poured into the arena. People saying that we will chase Members of Parliament with cudgels if we don’t pass this law. It is not necessary.

“Someone was even saying we should telecast the discourse so people will know who will be voting against what.”

On the issue of secrecy, the Suame MP allayed fears stating that there has never been an occasion where, in the consideration of any bill, Parliament has failed to be transparent.

“Some of the people are not even following the conduct of business in Parliament. Everything is done in the open and for those who are saying that ‘and we will know who voted against the bill’ when at any stage do we vote on a bill?” he quizzed.

Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu explained on Wednesday that voting comes to play only when a bill is passed through a Second Reading.

He further elaborated “It is there that the principles of the bill are elucidated on by the sponsors of the bill.

Then the Committee that the matter has been referred to would have gone to analyze the bill, listen to stakeholders, from that and the memorandum, they will come with a report. The report will tell us the constitutionality of the bill, the purpose of the bill, what mischief has been identified, and the cure that is proposed.”

According to him, the values and practices of ethnic groups in Ghana are contrary to the ideals of the LGBTQ Community. He stated that it has not been proven that any ethnicity applauds same-sex-related activities.

“Ghanaians have our own unique upbringing. Our own set of values, we know what is right and what is wrong. I belong to the Assemblies of God Church. I am a Christian. I will not pretend my upbringing has not been impacted by Christianity. Equally so for my colleagues who are Muslims.

“I’m not too sure I know of any ethnic group in this country that applauds homosexuality.”

In view of this, he admonished members of the public to desist from issuing threats and being insecure about the decision Parliament will take with regards to the matter.

“If you and I agree that no ethnic group in this country applause this, why should anybody have any fear that any Member of Parliament is going to vote against the principles of the bill?” he stated.

Background

Since some eight legislators spearheading the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill presented the bill to Parliament on June 29, the country has heard views from institutions opposing and applauding the bill.

MP for Ningo Prampram, Sam Nartey George who is a part of the proponents seeking for the promotion, advocacy, funding, and acts of homosexuality to be criminalized, has been equivocal insisting that the culture of the LGBTQ Community is alien to the values practiced in the country.

Two separate documents have been sent to Parliament’s Committee on Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs on October 2, making a case against the proposed Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, 2021.

The bill is currently being handled by the Committee on Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs.

The Committee has so far received over 124 memoranda from the public over the anti-LGBTQI+ Bill, which is currently before the House for consideration.

Per the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, individuals of the same sex who engage in sexual intercourse are “liable on summary conviction to a fine of not less than seven hundred and fifty penalty units and not more than five thousand penalty units, or to a term of imprisonment of not less than three years and not more than five years or both.”

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According to the leader who doubles as the Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Mr Bagbin is not a parliamentarian, hence the best he can do is to make referrals to the business committees.

The private member’s bill dubbed: ‘The Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, 2021’ seeks to criminalise the activities of homosexuals in the country.

Ahead of its consideration in parliament, there have been widespread pronouncements on the passage.

Some faith-based organisations have warned of dire consequences, amidst threats to vote out any political party that will oppose the bill.

Mr Bagbin had earlier said the activities of homosexuals were worse than the coronavirus pandemic, hence parliament will pass the bill as soon as possible.

“Ghanaians have spoken with one voice. I sit here as Speaker of Ghana, I represent Ghanaians and the country Ghana. We have spoken with one voice that we don’t want anything to do with whatever things they add,” the Speaker declared.

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But Mr Mensah-Bonsu, addressing a media briefing on Tuesday, said he finds difficulty with the Speaker’s pronouncement, especially as a former Member of Parliament who is privy to the operations of the House.

“The Speaker can make a referral to Parliament which will be programmed by the business committee for consideration. I will find it difficult if we have a Speaker who will in spite of his own antecedent as former MP to say that Parliament is going to pass the bill. It is a bit of a difficulty.

“I am not saying that Parliament is not going to pass the bill but the Speaker should not make a predetermination for the house because he is not a Member of Parliament and this is the business of Parliament,” he stated.

The Suame MP, however, added the House will be guided by the constitution and standing orders in deciding the fate of the bill.

“MPs are representatives of the people and the citizens of this country should be rest assured that parliament will not turn our backs on them. We represent their interest in parliament and so we will do what is needful,” he assured.

The Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values’ 2021 Bill famously known as the Anti LGBTQ+ bill has gained a lot of attention, locally and internationally.

Amid heightened calls for its passage, others want it quashed with the argument that it is against the fundamental human rights of persons involved in the act.

Clergymen and traditionalists have all jumped into the frail threatening to campaign against MPs who vote against the passage of the bill.

It is on the back of this that Apostle Dr Alfred Koduah is urging President Akufo- Addo to quickly assent to the bill immediately Parliament passes it.

“I want to see the president appending his signature to this bill as soon as it is passed by Parliament because this is so dear to the heart of Ghanaians. If you look at Ghana from the political angle, you will see that the country is polarized which affects everything in this country but with this particular, you have NPP and NDC all coming together.”

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Ghanaians and allies in New York and California on Monday, October 11, 2021, organised a protest against the anti-LGBTQI+ bill before Parliament for consideration.

The protest saw rallies organised in Harlem, New York, and in Oakland, California over what they described as a call to scrap the ‘hate bill’.

Eight Members of Parliament jointly submitted a private bill to push for the criminalisation of LGBTQI+ activities in the country.

The bill, which they term as a ‘Bill on the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values’, was presented to Speaker Alban Bagbin on June 29, 2021.

The proponents want the promotion, advocacy, funding, and acts of homosexuality to be criminalised in the country.

With the campaign trending with social media hashtags #QueerGhanaianLivesMatter, #KillTheBillGhana, and #Ghanagetsbetter the protesters called on Ghanaians home and abroad to join the call for rejection.

Wielding placards with diverse inscriptions to promote their campaign, the protesters chanted LGBTQ we demand equality in Ghana, Ghana’s hate bill has to go, Freedom and Justice is a lie among others.

They argued the bill, if passed, would ultimately torture and endanger the lives and health of LGBTQI+ Ghanaians.

“It would impede HIV and other health services for LGBTQI+ people. The bill would also require suspected LGBTQI+ people to recant their sexual and gender identities and pay for conversion therapy to avoid prison time,” the protesters said.

They added the law would push Ghana’s LGBTQI+ community further into the shadows and increase incidents of violence, hence their call for rejection.

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Monday’s protest is the latest in series of international protests organised by Ghanaians and allies abroad calling on the country’s parliament to drop the bill or urge President Nana Akufo-Addo not to assent it if it passes.

Meanwhile, the Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs Committee of Parliament has so far received over 124 memoranda from the public over the bill.

Watch the video attached for more:

In his 28-page memorandum, he justified the need for the legislatures not to entertain the practices in Ghana.

Dr Prempeh, therefore, urged the House to pass a stringent law to nib the activities of LGBTQI+ and other groups in the bud in the country.

Earlier, two separate documents were sent to Parliament’s Committee on Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs making a case against the proposed Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, 2021.

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Parliament says over 100 memos have been received over the bill so far from citizens and stakeholders all over the world.

Read Charles Prempeh’s full memorandum below:

This comes on the back of the latter’s interview with CNN on a bill he’s leading in Ghana’s parliament to criminalise the activities of homosexuals.

His interview warmed the hearts of many Ghanaians who could not help but take to social media to shower praises on him.

The latest to have joined the bandwagon of administrators is Mr Otchere Darko.

In the view of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) stalwart, the MP will make a fantastic candidate if politics were about popularity and popularism.

He made the remarks in a tweet, stating it was fantastic news for the NDC.

He wrote: If Politics is all about populism & popularity, then I have fantastic news for the NDC: they have found their next presidential candidate and he is the MP for Ningo Prampram Sam George.

The private members’ bill, which is in the pipeline is proposing a custodial sentence for offenders, including promoters of any sexuality that falls within the LGBTQI+ spectrum other than between a man and a woman.

The legislators promoting the bill, on June 29, 2021, submitted a copy of the draft to the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin.

It among other things says people of the same sex who engage in sexual intercourse are “liable on summary conviction to a fine of not less than seven hundred and fifty penalty units and not more than five thousand penalty units, or to a term of imprisonment of not less than three years and not more than five years or both.”

Mr George who is one of eight legislators sponsoring the bill has argued they are only offering protection and support to the vulnerable and economically disadvantaged for victims of homosexuality.

Read the tweet below:

If politics is all about populism & popularity then I have fantastic news for the NDC: they have found their next presidential candidate & he is the MP for Ningo Prampram #SamGeorge. Young, articulate, driven, bold, & extremely popular. The main sponsor of the anti-LBGTQI Bill.

— Gabby Otchere-Darko (@GabbyDarko) October 9, 2021

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In an interview on JoyNews’ The Probe, Chairman of the Committee, Kwame Anyimadu Antwi, disclosed that as of Thursday, October 7, over 124 memoranda had been submitted to them for appropriate action to be taken.

He noted that they will continue to accept memos from the general public until the Committee has finished looking into the matter.

“It was not the last day yet, so we continue to receive, and that’s why I cannot add more. Even the day that the Committee would be sitting, if you bring a memo, we’d hear you.”

“This is a matter that has a public interest, and we’d want to hear from all angles, so the clerk put up a notice that people who are interested would actually sit up so that by the time parliament resumes, we can look at these and also have the time to read them,” he said.

Mr Anyimadu Antwi added that the Committee has already started perusing the various memos to ensure good work is done when Parliament resumes.

He added that he is not under pressure amid the entrenched positions taken by some groups over the bill.

“What I agreed with the Clerk [of Parliament] is that we should actually synchronise them [the memoranda] because some of them had sent their’s via email and some had actually presented it physically.”

“It’s our responsibility, and we actually took a vow in Parliament that we’d do justice to all manner of people, defend the Constitution and whatnot. This is a right, and we are going into the constitution,” he assured.

Eight MPs jointly submitted a private bill to push for the criminalisation of LGBTQI+ activities in the country.

The bill, which they term as a ‘Bill on the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values’, was presented to Speaker Alban Bagbin on June 29, 2021.

The proponents want the promotion, advocacy, funding, and acts of homosexuality to be criminalized in the country.

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The Church of Pentecost has, in its memoranda to the committee, sent its strongest caution yet to government regarding the legislation against the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer and their related activities (LGBTQ+) in Ghana.

National Chairman of the Church, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, said his outfit will vote out any political party that stands against the passage of the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill.

Meanwhile, a group of academics and lawyers comprising Akoto Ampaw, Professor H. Kwasi Prempeh, Professor Audrey Gadzekpo have also voiced concerns about the bill, arguing it will dent Ghana’s image as a bastion of democracy because of clauses in the bill that curtails individual rights and freedoms.

But the Bortianor-Ngleshie Amanfro MP, Sylvester Tetteh, says the bill will be passed because it has the support of both caucuses of the House.

According to him, the current debate on homosexuals in Ghana is not about religious beliefs or numbers but human rights issues.

To him, the real issues on the ground have to do with the fundamental rights of citizens as enshrined in the 1992 constitution.

“First of all, I want to make the point clear that this debate is not about religious beliefs. Secondly, this debate is not about numbers.

“It is not lining up how many people support gays -30million, how many people are against gay; 2 million that is not the issue. The fundamental issue has to do with our constitution and rights. That is the basic issue that we have to address,” he stated on Accra-based TV3.

This comes a few days after Mr Ampaw and some 14 others from different fields ranging from law to academia submitted a memorandum to the select committee on constitutional, legal, and parliamentary affairs, kicking against the bill.

The private members’ bill, which is in the pipeline, is proposing a 10-year jail term for offenders, including promoters of any sexuality that falls within the LGBTQI+ spectrum other than between a man and a woman.

It among other things says people of the same sex who engage in sexual intercourse are “liable on summary conviction to a fine of not less than seven hundred and fifty penalty units and not more than five thousand penalty units, or to a term of imprisonment of not less than three years and not more than five years or both.”

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But to them, the proponents of the bill have not provided any data or evidence to suggest that there is such a threat, beyond a resort to some dogmatic religious tenets and so-called Ghanaian family values, hence want the bill rejected.

The 15 individuals argued the bill is an “impermissible invasion of the inviolability of human dignity, adding railroading the bill through would mean challenging Ghana’s 1992 Constitution.

Following their action, some Christian leaders also submitted a memorandum with about 15,000 signatories calling for the passage of the bill, stating it contravenes the norms and traditions of Ghana.

Buttering his point, Mr Ampaw stressed the controversial debate must be looked at with the constitutional lens and not religion and beliefs.

“It is a bit gratifying that just recently the Majority Leader in Parliament said that the matter will not be discussed on the basis of religious beliefs. I think that is a major step forward if that is how parliament is going to address this matter. It is a constitutional matter,” he said.

Deputy General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Nana Obiri Boahene is worried over the silence of the majority of NPP MPs over the bill criminalising activities of homosexuals.

According to him, apart from NPP MP, John Ntim Fordjour, every other name mentioned when the issue comes up, is that of an NDC MP.

Speaking to JoyNews’ Kwesi parker Wilson, he said “I am surprised that I don’t see a good number of the NPP MPs championing this cause, I am worried.”

Mr Boahene who described the practice of gayism and lesbianism as embarrassing, insulting, and nauseating wants the majority of NPP MPs to let their voices be heard.

The bill in parliament is being spearheaded by six members of parliament including only one NPP MP, John Ntim Fordjour.

This comes after top clergymen and Islamic clerics presented memos to the House’s Committee of Constitution and Legal Affairs on Wednesday, in support of the bill.

The Church of Pentecost has declared its readiness to vote out any political party that stands against the passage of the bill.

However, a series of memoranda, which oppose the legislation, have also been presented to the Committee.

The sponsors of the memoranda describe the bill as an endorsement of state-sponsored violence against minority groups and an infringement on their human rights.

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However, Nana Obiri Boahene believes that since the discussions of LGBTQ+ is not only limited to the NPP or NDC, all well-meaning Ghanaians should join the discussions to ban their activities.

“No person should even encourage that we should not be talking about that, we should stop it. How do we discuss this even in the public domain,” he added.

Mr Boahen also urged Akoto Ampaw and his colleagues leading the charge to oppose the Anti LGBTQ+ bill, to abandon their position.

He said that “please my good brothers and sisters, it has got nothing to do with religion, it has nothing to do with politics, it has something to do with due respect and common sense, drop it.”

Some Christian leaders submitted the memorandum to Parliament’s Committee for Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs on Wednesday, October 6, 2021.

The Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, President of the Apostolic Church, Ghana, Apostle Dr Aaron Ami-Narh, were part of the delegation.

This comes barely 48 hours after some 15 professionals from various fields including medicine, law, and academia submitted a memorandum to the same committee, kicking against the bill.

To them, the proponents of the bill have not provided any data or evidence to suggest that there is such a threat, beyond a resort to some dogmatic religious tenets and so-called Ghanaian family values, hence want the bill rejected.

In the view of these 15 individuals, the bill is an “impermissible invasion of the inviolability of human dignity”, adding that railroading the bill through would mean challenging Ghana’s 1992 Constitution.

But Apostle Eric Nyamekye, during the presentation, said their support for the bill is due to the belief that LGBTQI+ “is something against our Christ and against our God.”

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“They [LGBTQ+ advocates] are saying that God is not intelligent and that he should have given other options. God is a sovereign God, and we want to stand completely for what we believe,” he stated.

The private members’ bill, which is in the pipeline is proposing a 10-year jail term for offenders, including promoters of any sexuality that falls within the LGBTQI+ spectrum other than between a man and a woman.

The legislators promoting the bill, on June 29, 2021, submitted a copy of the draft to the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin.

It among other things says people of the same sex who engage in sexual intercourse are “liable on summary conviction to a fine of not less than seven hundred and fifty penalty units and not more than five thousand penalty units, or to a term of imprisonment of not less than three years and not more than five years or both.”

According to him, the House must be firm on its position and not in any way be intimidated or forced to withdraw the bill before it.

The ‘Proper Human Sexual and Ghanaian Family Values Bill’ 2021, also known as the Anti LGBTQI+ bill, seeks to criminalise the advocacy and practice of homosexuality in Ghana,

It prescribes that people of the same sex who engage in sexual activity could be fined or jailed for between three to five years.

The Bill is a private members’ legislation being sponsored by eight Members of Parliament (MP); seven from the National Democratic Congress and one from the New Patriotic Party.

However, some pro- LGBTQI+ groups said the bill preaches hate against gays and homosexuals and are already hinting of severe repercussions on Ghana should the bill be passed.

A group, made up of 15 professionals in various fields including law and academia, have since submitted a memo to Parliament to kick against its passage.

But speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Rev Opuni said the legislators sponsoring the bill are fighting for the “national conscience of the country”, hence must be given the needed support.

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“We live in a democratic society and people have dissenting views but we must look at the greater good of the people. The Speaker has condemned it so has the President and other statesmen so we shouldn’t take their comments for granted.

“This is not our value and culture. We cannot accept it because it will only destroy us. Countries have resisted and we can do it too because others are also looking up to Ghana,” he cautioned.

He further charged church leaders, Muslim leaders, traditional leaders, and others not to leave the fight for only the MPs, adding these LGBTQI+ people have powerful people behind them.

According to him, majority of Ghanaians do not want to tolerate same-sex relationships or people with different sexual orientations.

This, Mr George said on The Pulse on JoyNews, is contained in an afrobarometer survey conducted by CDD-Ghana of which some of the members opposing the Anti LGBTQ+ bill are part.

He stated that: “If you go to page seven of that report, social tolerance in Ghana is extremely high. Ghanaians are tolerant of different ethnicities by 92%, different religions by 91%, different political parties by 90%, different immigrant and foreign workers by 74%, but these same Ghanaians are only 7% tolerant of homosexuals. It tells you what the people of Ghana want.”

The Ningo-Prampram MP stated that the report also revealed that Ghana is fourth on the continent, behind Senegal, Liberia, and Malawi, when it comes to intolerance towards people of different sexual identities and orientations.

“We are not ready to tolerate it, that is who we are, our people say they don’t want it. These personalities do not hold the torch, whatsoever, to the strength of the collective will of the majority of Ghanaians and their personal agendas will not override the desire of the majority of the people,” he told Ayisha Ibrahim, the host of the show.

His comment was in reaction to the two separate documents that have been sent to Parliament’s Committee on Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs making a case against the proposed Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, 2021.

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The bill has been tagged as anti LGBT but its promoters, led by Mr George, say it is in the interest of the nation that an appropriate legal framework makes advocacy for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender rights illegal.

However, the Human Rights Coalition says the Bill is in direct conflict with a number of constitutionally protected fundamental freedoms and human rights.

Again, the Coalition argues that the provisions of the Bill are incompatible with a number of international human rights instruments to which Ghana is a State Party.

The other coalition, led by Private Legal Practitioner, Akoto Ampaw, argues that the bill criminalises dissenting views and expressions contrary to the words ‘freedom and justice’ that emblazon the coat of arms.

Thus “the Bill ought, with respect, to be firmly rejected by the Parliamentary Select Committee on Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, and by Parliament as a whole.”

However, Mr George believes that these documents have no academic value, neither do the petitioners understand the Anti LGBTQ+ bill put before parliament.

“They say if the bill is passed into law you cannot have this kind of conversation, that is incorrect and uninformed. What the bill criminalises is the advocacy for and promotion of LGBTQ,” he said.

To them, the proponents of the bill have not provided any data or evidence to suggest that there is such a threat, beyond a resort to some dogmatic religious tenets and so-called Ghanaian family values, hence want the bill rejected.

They include; Lead Counsel for President Nana Akufo-Addo in the 2020 election petition hearing, Akoto Ampaw, Professor Kofi Gyimah-Boadi, Dr Rose Kutin-Mensah, and the  Executive Director of Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), Professor H. Kwasi Prempeh.

Others are Professor Audrey Gadzekpo, Professor Kwame KariKari, Professor Raymond Atuguba, and Dr Yao Graham.

The rest are: Professsor Dzodzi Tsikata, Kwasi Adu-Amankwah, Kofi Ofei-Nkansah, Dr Kojo Asante, Akunu Dake, Tetteh Homerku-Adjjei and Professor Emerita Takyiwaa Manuh.

The private members’ bill, which is in the pipeline is proposing a 10-year jail term for offenders, including promoters of any sexuality that falls within the LGBTQI+ spectrum other than between a man and a woman.

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The legislators promoting the bill, on June 29, 2021, submitted a copy of the draft to the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin.

It among other things says people of the same sex who engage in sexual intercourse are “liable on summary conviction to a fine of not less than seven hundred and fifty penalty units and not more than five thousand penalty units, or to a term of imprisonment of not less than three years and not more than five years or both.”

It covers any person who “holds out as a lesbian, a gay, a transgender, a transsexual, a queer, a pansexual, an ally, a non-binary or any other sexual or gender identity that is contrary to the binary categories of male and female.”

But in the view of these 15 individuals, the bill is an “impermissible invasion of the inviolability of human dignity, adding railroading the bill through would mean challenging Ghana’s 1992 Constitution.

“Christ’s message was/is that we should love our neighbour and not be judgmental and promote the hate and bigotry that many self-styled Christians exhibit and seek to impose on Ghanaian society.

“Per Article 18 of the Constitution, Ghana is a secular democracy and not a theocratic Christian or Islamic Republic or an African traditional monarchy or chiefdom,” part of an 18-paged memorandum read.

Meanwhile, they have cautioned the recipient of the memo, the Select Committee on Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs against creating a “society where the state, through legislation, imposes one view of ‘proper human sexual rights’.”

Read the full document below:

Memorandum to Parliamentary Select Committee on the Constitutional-rev.docx 27th Sept.-2 (2) by Gertrude Otchere on Scribd