He took to Facebook on Wednesday, March 20, to express his concerns, quoting the post by UNHCR Africa where his segment was edited, and raising his objections.

Suhuyini expressed disappointment at the perceived censorship, highlighting that it is unfair for an office such as the UNHCR Africa to oppose differing opinions on international issues.

He emphasised the importance of maintaining open-mindedness and fostering a spirit of collaboration towards a common good, rather than stifling diverse perspectives.

The MP urged the UNHCR Africa office to respect differing viewpoints and encouraged them to embrace dialogue and cooperation to address shared goals.

He stressed the need for mutual respect and understanding, particularly in matters of global significance, such as human rights and family values.

Mr Suhuyini underscored the importance of upholding freedom of expression and criticized what he perceived as attempts to silence dissenting voices.

He called for a more inclusive approach that acknowledges and respects diverse opinions while working towards common objectives.

Suhuyini urged stakeholders, including the UNHCR Africa office, to engage in constructive dialogue and collaboration to promote human rights and uphold shared values, emphasising the importance of mutual respect and cooperation in addressing complex societal issues.

“It is important to recognize that in a diverse society, we are bound to have differences in opinions on international topics.”

“However, it is crucial to maintain an open mind and foster a spirit of collaboration towards a common good. While it is perfectly acceptable to hold differing views, it is essential to respect each other’s perspectives and work together towards a shared goal. By embracing our differences and finding common ground, we can achieve greater unity and progress on important global issues.”

“Intolerance towards differing opinions only hinders our ability to come together and create positive change.”

Meanwhile, a staff member of the UNHCR Office clarified in a media interview that it could have been an oversight.

According to the source, there was no deliberate decision to edit him out of the promotional video.

Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampam constituency, Sam George has clarified that the criminalisation of LGBTQ pertains to the act itself, not the individuals involved.

According to him, anyone choosing to engage in LGBTQ activities must face the consequences.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, February 17, Mr. George dismissed claims by the Deputy Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who suggested that the LGBTQ act is behavioral.

The Ningo-Prampram MP emphasised that the LGBTQ act is not supported by science but is merely an opinion.

“It is not backed by science and is one that I would call emotional. The science and the facts establish the fact that homosexuality is not behavioral, and I can take anybody on that debate,” he stated.

Mr. George stressed that “if you want to be objective, you cannot be selective in your objectivity.”

Background.

Mr Afenyo-Markin stood against the third reading of the anti-LGBTQ bill in Parliament on Thursday, February 15.

He stated that he is not completely against the principles of the anti-LGBTQ+ bill and supports it, but emphasised that he opposes the provision that would lead to the imprisonment of individuals accused of engaging in or promoting LGBTQ activities.

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

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

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

He explained that “to jail a person for his/her sexuality will not be the solution in maintaining our Ghanaian family values and ensuring proper human sexual rights.”

Parliament, on Thursday, February 8, approved a three-to-five-year jail term for individuals who wilfully promote or sponsor LGBTQ activities, while those caught in the act are to be sentenced to a minimum of 6 months and a maximum of 3 years.

The group bemoans that some international schools operating in the country have begun the promotion of such acts in their operations, contrary to the dictates of the law.

Speaking to journalists in Parliament after the conclusion of the debate on the anti-gay Bill by Parliament, proponents of the Bill, MP for Ningo-Prampram, Nartey George and Assin South MP, Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, cautioned that sanctions would be meted out to any institution that promotes LGBTQ+ acts.

“There are schools in Ghana that are beginning to introduce elements of LGBTQ+ and CSE in their operations already. They may claim to be foreign schools, but no school can operate in Ghana outside the laws of the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service (GES), and so those schools should take notice that the Ministry of Education will be duly apprised of their activities and sanctions will be applied accordingly,” Sam George warned.

On his part, the Assin South MP said “we are also not going to take it kindly on any media house that will give their media houses for advocacy, propaganda and promotion of LGBTQ+ and its related activities. It is abhorred and frowned upon. We want the entire media houses to join us.”

According to him, out of this number, 9,857 individuals, accounting for 18.1% of the group, were discovered to be living with HIV.

The revelation was made during the presentation of the report on the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill 2021, commonly known as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill.

One of the key arguments put forth in support of the bill was the health implications associated with LGBTQ+ activities.

To support this claim, a study conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2018 was cited.

The survey found that over 65% of HIV infections among adults and adolescents in the United States were attributed to male-to-male sexual contact.

Highlighting the national context, data from the Ghana AIDS Commission further emphasized the issue;

“In 2017, there were 54,759 men who had sex with men, living in Ghana. Out of this number, 9,857 representing 18.1 per cent were found to live with HIV. According to the Commission, although the number represents only 2% of the HIV population in the country, the 18% prevalence rate is enough for disease to grow exponentially,” he said in the report.

These statistics underscore the concerns surrounding the health implications associated with same-sex sexual activities.

Proponents of the anti-LGBTQ+ bill argue that such legislation is necessary to protect public health and promote Ghanaian family values.

However, opponents of the bill highlight the importance of human rights, equality, and non-discrimination in addressing these concerns.

The constitutional, legal, and parliamentary affair committee has presented a report on the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill 2021, commonly known as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill to the plenary.

This follows months of public debate and ratification of the 36-paged document by the legislators and stakeholders since its introduction in 2021.

Already, the controversial bill has been hit with a number of legal actions with the latest lawsuit announced only on Tuesday, July 4, 2023.

But approving the laying of the bill and the subsequent debate before the consideration stage, Speaker Alban Bagbin said it is clear that no legislator is against the passage of the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, 2022.

“With the submissions just made by the Honorable Andy Appiah Kubi that all the 275 are in support of the bill, anybody who disagrees be on your feet and I will recognize you.

“Honorable members, since all members are in support of the bill, I am definitely not going to gag the House. I will give you the opportunity to expand and improve further the submissions made so that at the consideration stage, it will be enriched by your contributions.”

“But I just want us to be clear that none is against the bill,” he stressed.

Speaker Alban Bagbin added that “In view of the numbers, I am tempted to give some time limits for the debates so that we can give opportunity to everybody to make a contribution. At the end of the day, your report is already in the public domain.”

Meanwhile, the Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee of Parliament has recommended that the House passes the controversial Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, 2021.

According to the Committee, the majority of Ghanaians are in favour of the legislation.

While admitting that the bill had “significant human rights concerns”, the Committee informed the House that it petitioned the Attorney-General for its opinion.

The 18-page document which was signed by the Committee’s Chairperson, Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi, had been subjected to the amendments proffered by the Committee.

Mr Anyimadu-Antwi indicated that the decision was reached after considering the advice of the Attorney General.

Background

The controversial LGBT bill is a private member’s bill that was presented to Speaker Alban Bagbin on Tuesday, June 29, 2021. It is being spearheaded by 8 MPs.

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

Although the Bill is in Parliament, the LGBTQ+ conversation was reignited during US Vice President, Kamala Harris’ visit to Ghana.

Madam Harris, addressing the gathering said, “I feel very strongly about the importance of supporting freedom and supporting the fighting for equality among all people, and that all people be treated equally.

“I will also say that this is an issue that we consider, and I consider to be a human rights issue, and that will not change.”

Even though she did not directly address the bill in Ghana’s Parliament, a section of Ghanaians took offense and responded to her.

Notable among those who responded to her was Ghana’s Speaker of Parliament, who described her comments as undemocratic and “should not be tolerated.”

The legislator emphasised that under the Anti-LGBTQ bill, engaging in anal sex is illegal irrespective of the gender involved and will be a criminal offence.

She was speaking during Parliament’s debate over the Promotion of Proper Sexual Human Rights and Ghanaian Family Values bill.

The parliamentarian was worried over reports of wives facing threats of divorce from their husbands for refusing to participate in these sexual acts.

“For the avoidance of doubt and the information of all Ghanaians, oral sex, anal regardless of whether it is between woman and man, man and man or woman and woman is illegal under our law and so if there is anybody who is practising oral sex or anal sex please note that what you are doing is against the existing law of this country.”

Addressing her colleagues on Wednesday, she underscored the significance of the proposed bill in addressing such issues.

“And so I will urge any woman or young girl being subjected to any such practice under the guise of heterosexual sex to know that what they are being asked to do is against the law and must seek help from the Police. Anal sex is unnatural carnal knowledge, use of sex toys is unnatural carnal knowledge.”

This comes after Parliament’s Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee, recommended its passage of the controversial bill.

Other legislators including Bernard Ahiafor, Nelson Rockson Dafeamekpor, Sam George, Murtala Mohammed and John Ntim Foruor among others argued for the bill.

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, called on MPs opposed to the bill to stand up and be counted.

But his call went without a response showing unanimous consent by Members of Parliament strongly advocating for the passage of the bill.

With the bill through on its second reading, the consideration stage will follow before a third reading to signal passage.

The Ningo-Prampram MP, who together with seven other legislators sponsored the private members’ bill, says he had noticed that the US placed sanctions on Uganda and some of the individuals who sponsored the passage of a similar bill in that country.

On the back of this, he vehemently stated that unlike Uganda, Ghana would impede US economic interests in the country if they tried anything of a sort.

Debating a committee report on the floor of parliament on the bill, he said, “we have taken judicial notice of what they have done to the Speaker of Uganda. After Uganda passed the bill, the sanctions on the Speaker of Uganda’s parliament and on the sponsors of that bill.”

“We will serve notice as well that if they replicate the same with our Speaker and Members of Parliament we will also take action against their [US] business interest in our country because they serve in this country and make money from here and send it back home. They cannot hold us to ransom,” he said.

He explained that before the US decides to take on Ghana, it must first apply similar prohibitions on some governors of their various states and agencies because they have also refused to allow individuals to choose who they prefer to be with.

The vociferous legislator stressed that the main reason they strongly opposed LGBTQ+ was in the interest of the Ghanaian people because most of these activities led to health complications.

“The danger of homosexuality is grave, persons who are homosexuals or transgenders from statistics from the CDS have at least six times higher rate of obesity, substance abuse, and suicidal thoughts than heterosexual people. This has a consequence on our health bill as a country and public health, and we can not turn a blind eye to this,” he added.

Mr George expressed optimism about the passage of the bill.

 “This bill will be passed to the glory of God. Some say the God we serve is a God of love, but he is also a God of justice, he gives mercy to those who repent of their sins, but he does not give mercy to those who stay in their sins. We are willing and ready to offer support to anyone who wants support,” he said.

He also backed his claims with scriptures from the Bible, referencing Leviticus 18:22 and 1 Corinthians 6:9-10.

Legislators are currently debating on a report by Parliament’s Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee which has recommended the passage of the anti-LGBTQ+ bill.

Ahead of the debate, religious leaders arrived in the House to witness the second laying of the bill.

The vocal proponent of the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill says the judiciary should not overstep its boundaries by attempting to dictate the legislative process.

Speaking on JoyNews‘ AM Show, Mr George questioned the court’s willingness to entertain two recent cases brought before it against the bill’s passage.

“I’m wondering why the courts are going ahead to even entertain any case at this point in time because the courts must bear in mind that no court can issue a judgment or give directive to the President that you can’t discuss this matter in Cabinet.”

He highlighted that while the courts play a crucial role in ensuring due process and keeping the legislation in check, they cannot assume to have the power to impede on Parliament’s right to pass laws.

“It is the prerogative of Parliament to pass legislation, and so no court should think that they have the power to tell Parliament that you can pass this bill or you cannot pass this,” Mr George stressed.

Citing a previous case involving the Marijuana legislation, Sam George underscored that the courts have the ability to review the legislative process after Parliament has passed a law.

He said in such cases, they can assess whether all necessary procedures were followed and potentially nullify the law if due process was not observed. However, he firmly stated that this should not interfere with Parliament’s right to sit and pass laws.

“You can pass a judgment, saying that Parliament did not go through all the processes and nullify the law. But you can’t tell Parliament that you cannot sit and pass a law,” added Mr. George.

The proposed LGBT Bill has been a subject of intense debate in Ghana, sparking discussions both domestically and internationally.

The bill seeks to criminalise activities related to homosexuality and increase penalties for those involved.

While it has generated support from certain segments of society who believe it aligns with Ghana’s cultural and religious values, it has also drawn criticism from human rights organizations and advocates who argue that it infringes upon the rights and dignity of the LGBTQ+ community.

“For you all to participate in it count me out of Ghana because I will prefer to join my maker than to live. That is me I am a Catholic and I will not do anything that will end the world because God says the world is eternal until he comes back we cannot do that to end the world.”

Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, 2021, popularly referred to as the Anti-LGBTQI+ Bill is not entirely unconstitutional but faces challenges of implementation if the bill is passed by Parliament.

The bill, which is currently under review by the Parliamentary Select Committee on Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs, seeks to provide for human sexual rights and Ghanaian family values while seeking to prohibit the activities of gays, lesbians, bisexuals, transgender, and queers in Ghana. A person found guilty could face up to 10 years imprisonment if the bill is passed.

“The Bill recognises our family values, it accepts what we call normal and not abnormal and it protects those who by nature or whatever are caught and so we will pass the legislation that we believe will not offend the position of the 1992 Constitution.”

The Speaker of Parliament made this known during a press soirée in Tamale as part of Parliament of Ghana’s 30th Anniversary Celebration on the theme: “Thirty(30) years of Parliamentary Democracy Under the Fourth Republic; The Journey thus far.”

Meanwhile, the United Nations human rights experts have called on the government of Ghana to reject a proposed anti-gay bill, saying the bill seeks to establish a system of state-sponsored discrimination and violence against the LGBTQ+ community.

A statement from the UN office said the consideration of the bill by a country that is regarded as a champion of democracy in Africa, with an impressive record of achieving certain Millennium Development Goals by 2015, is quite worrying.

Drawn from the Western Regional Network of Ministers, churches and councils, the protestors held placards reading; “LGBTQI+ is a taboo”, “God created Adam and Eve and not Adam and Steve”, and “Even animals don’t practice LGBTQ+”.

Others read; “Say no to any form of unnatural intimacy,” “Normal women marry men”, and “Leave a good Legacy for your generation,” to register their abhorrence of the practice, which they describe as an affront to God’s will and purpose for procreation and multiplication.

The walk, which started at the Asempa Hotel in Takoradi, ended at the Western Regional Coordinating Council in Sekondi.

Bishop Emmanuel Kwesi Ansah, the Methodist Bishop of Sekondi and Chairman of the Network, then presented an official paper to the Western Regional Minister, Mr Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah.

Bishop Ansah reminded Ghanaians of how God punished the City of Sodom and Gomorrah, many years ago, for the “same uncouth sexual pattern in deviance to the natural order.”

“This is why we expect the Government to give a sense of urgency to our crusade against LGBTQI+ and to facilitate the passing into law the Promotion of Proper Human Sex Rights and Ghanaian Family Values before Parliament,” he said.

The Network was determined to rid the Western Region, a main industrial and tourist attraction to many and the Nation in general, of those cancerous vices, Bishop Ansah said.

He said Ghanaian culture and traditions and the dictates of the Christian faith must stand supreme to any idealogy of rights and freedoms.

“The leadership of the Churches in the Western Region had resolved to take a firm and resolute position on the matter in order not to disappoint the Christian faith.”

Bishop Ansah informed the Minister that the Network was putting in place counselling centres to offer help to perpetrators or victims in absolute confidentiality to enable them to reconstruct their lives.

The centres will also intensify prayers on the subject and visit educational institutions to educate the youth on the need to eschew the vice.

He called on the church to deepen its commitment to the teaching of Christian family values.

The Network would ultimately develop a homosexuality document for the teaching of children, youth and adults in all churches, he noted.

Mr Darko-Mensah, who welcomed the team, said the Government was mindful of the sensibilities, cultural and constitutional requirements as a sovereign nation and would not, in any way, compromise those guiding principles.

He pledged to inform the President about the Network’s aspirations for the nation.

Later, the leadership prayed for the Government and citizens and asked for God’s blessings for a peaceful and congenial atmosphere in Ghana.

He is alleging that the two have breached portions of Ghana’s constitution regarding how the legislative body handled the Human Rights and Family Values Bill, 2021.

He says despite the law having financial implications for the consolidated fund, it was not handed to parliament with a fiscal impact analysis document.

Parliament’s Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee has already urged the House to pass the bill into law.

But it appears this may suffer some setbacks. The individual behind this action describes himself as a farmer and a private citizen based in the Ashanti Region.

Paul says the Speaker of Parliament has the mandate to ensure that all legislative processes are undertaken in accordance with the law.

He says the Public Financial Management Act requires that any bill to be laid in parliament should be accompanied by a fiscal impact analysis. He claims the Human Rights and Family Values Bill does not have this attached to it

Paul made reference to the Attorney General’s memo to Parliament where he makes this same point about the lack of a fiscal impact analysis.

Substantively, the plaintiff wants the court to restrain the speaker, his deputies etc from proceeding with any processes regarding the bill until this is complied with.

The Committee earlier addressed the AG’s concern in its final report to Parliament.

The individual made reference to this noting that portions of the bill impose a charge on the consolidated fund.

The Committee said it, however, noted through the amendments it was proposing, this will be taken care of.

He noted that those threats and other stringent economic measures had not affected the continent’s effort at protecting its culture, values, and societal norms and to safeguard the future of its youth.

A statement issued by the Public Affairs Directorate of Parliament, copied to the Ghana News Agency, said the Speaker made the remarks at a meeting with Members of the British House of Lords and the House of Commons at Westminster in London.

It said of concern to the British Members of Parliament was the law passed in Uganda recently on the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex (LGBTQI) phenomenon, and the bill on Promotion of Human Sexual Rights and Family Values currently before Ghana’s Parliament.  

“Threats are not the way to go. If your neighbour or partner has a problem, you help him to solve it. Boycotts and threats do not solve problems, engagement and understanding do,” the Speaker said.

He explained that once a group of people are in agreement on what constitutes human rights, values and principles, they moved on; “what was required is alignment and understanding of their context.”

Speaker Bagbin told his hosts that the role of Parliament was to receive bills from civil society or interest groups, usually through the process that allows for a Private Member’s Bill, or from the executive.

Parliament then takes the bill through its processes and procedures outlined in its Standing Orders and in consonance with the provisions of Ghana’s Constitution.

“There is nothing untoward; nothing wrong with the efforts by Parliament to legislate on the promotion of human sexual rights and family values in Ghana, using our constitution as a compass,” he said.

“There is an urgent need for legislation in the area of LGBTQI in Ghana. Parliament is aware of the copious human rights provisions in the Constitution of the country.

“Parliament knows that any legislation that detracts from the human rights and freedoms guaranteed by our constitution will be a candidate for litigation in our court of law,” he added.

Responding to a question on the role of the President in the bill in reference, the Speaker insisted that Ghana’s Parliament had the mandate and the capability to legislate on the subject and would not countenance any interference from the Executive.

He explained that the role of the President was to assent to bills submitted by Parliament, however, final legislative powers rest with the legislature, not the Executive.

“Ghana’s democracy is based on the rule of law, not the rule of man,” he noted.

Besides, Ghana’s Constitution was heavy on the promotion and protection of various fundamental human rights and freedoms, Speaker Bagbin said, and gave an assurance that curtailing human rights was not the target of the Bill, rather it was about the protection of rights and values.

“So is it about the healthcare and welfare of Ghanaians, particularly those whose sexual orientation has implications for their health.”

He said the Legislature had engaged in very wide and broad consultations whilst working on the Promotion of Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill.

Members of the Select Committee working on it had held consultations in the United Kingdom, the United States of America, European Union (EU) and Canada, among others, for a deeper appreciation of the issues at stake.

The Speaker said the Committee had received and considered about 400 memoranda on the issue and granted audience to many advocacy groups, professional associations, religious and traditional leaders, and civil society groups.

The approach to this Bill had been to “think global and act local,” he said.

Those with Speaker Bagbin at the meeting were Mr Cyril Kwabena Oteng Nsiah, the Clerk to Parliament; Mr Ebenezer Djietror, the Assistant Clerk; and Mr Magnus Kofi Amoatey, Legal Counsel to the Speaker.

The rest were Mr Gayheart Mensah, the Director of the Speaker’s Communication Team, and Mr Charles Dery Tenzagh, the Deputy Director of Parliamentary Relations.

Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin, last week, accused western governments of meddling in internal affairs when visiting US Vice President Kamala Harris stated, at a joint press briefing with President Akufo Addo, that her government is keen on preserving and promoting LGBTQ rights across the world.

However speaking at a news conference in Accra, the French Minister of State for For Europe And Foreign Affairs, Development, Francophonie and International Partnerships, Chrysoula Zacharopoulou noted that “regarding the LGBT community, in my country and the European Union, we promote human right and of course, in my ministry, we have an ambassador who promotes LGBT rights.”

“So what I can say is that this is our value and wherever I go in Africa, I will continue to say we have to respect all of us, the LGBT community is a question of human rights”.

It is unclear how the government of Ghana intends to deal with these concerns from the international community.

President Akufo-Addo at a recently held joint conference with visiting US Vice President Kamala Harris noted that “the Attorney General has found it necessary to speak to the committee (parliament) about it regarding the constitutionality or otherwise of several of its provisions,” he said. “But at the end of the process, I will come in.”

Meanwhile, the Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee of Parliament has recommended that the House pass the controversial Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill 2021.

According to the Committee, a majority of Ghanaians are in favour of the legislation.

He has therefore decided to no longer fight for persons who are homosexuals in the society.

His reason, according to him is because he cannot speak for faceless people.

The lawyer is asking them to come out and fight for themselves since he has come across high profiled lawyers in this country who are homosexual but are not prepared to come out publicly to defend their actions.

Mr. Kpebu said “To be very frank with you I do not intend to go into the merits of the debate on LGBTQ. I have made comments on it in the past, briefly stating that if some people want to fight for it it is within their right to fight for it but the reason I am no longer interested in joining this debate aggressively is that the people who practice LGBTQ, they don’t want to show their faces. So I ask, how am I going to advocate for a faceless person?

“So that is the disconnect. It is a very sensitive matter, I have been crying here Saturday to Saturday that the Ghanaian doesn’t want to fight, this is another of that. Privately, I have seen big lawyers involved, big lawyers who are gays and they can’t fight for themselves and you are saying Kpebu should come and fight, no, you can’t fight everything. There are big lawyers, I am telling you on authority, in this country involved and they don’t want to show their faces. At least they should come out, let’s see them explain their situation.

“I have been telling some of them privately that if we even get fifty of them to snap a picture, and come out to address a press conference when they speak, they will evoke compassion.”

The bill, also known as the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, has been described as “horrible” and “hate promoting” by opponents, while supporters argue it is necessary to address issues associated with homosexuality in the country. 

The debate grew heated at times, with personal questions being asked, and Prof. Manuh urging lawmakers to either enforce or amend existing laws on homosexuality instead.

Mr Foh-Amoaning who was not in the studio but was called into the GTV Breakfast Show particularly took exception with comments by the learned Professor which appeared to question his pedigree as a lawyer.

However, Prof. Manuh later explained that she was rather referring to Dr Justice Appiah Kubi, a member of the Coalition who was in the studio to debate her.

“…Dr Appiah-Kubi, I will gloss over your gratuitous insults. Mr Foh-Amoaning is my junior at the bar, so you are not a lawyer and I am surprised. It’s a very poor piece of legislation, for you to say that I have not read the bill,” she said. When Mr Foh-Amoaning was called to contribute to the programme, he said being her junior at the bar was not relevant to the debate.

“In the best tradition of the bar, she says that I am her junior, so what? I wouldn’t have responded to this but that’s fine. I was called to the bar in 1990, almost 34 years ago, so if 34 years ago doesn’t mean anything at the bar then I don’t think that you have an appreciation of the best tradition at the bar,” he said. “By God’s grace, I was trained by one of the best lawyers this country has ever had. I don’t know what practices you have had, so what do you mean I am your junior, so what?”.

During the debate, Prof. Manuh who was called to the bar in 1977 argued for the bill which she described as “horrible” and “hate promoting” to be thrown out in its entirety. It got personal at times, with Mr Foh-Amoaning asking Prof. Manuh to disclose her sexual orientation, her marital status and her hometown.

The Professor said she was not going to reveal her hometown adding “…Your’e asking me for a lawyer, am I a gay or a lesbian myself. This is really for a lawyer very unimaginable, it is illogical. Whatever I am has nothing to do with the positions that I am making, I am making it as a human rights issue”.

She further urged Ghanaian lawmakers to rather enforce or amend the existing laws on homosexuality.

Mr Foh-Amoaning rejected her claims, arguing that the bill was fit for purpose and will address all the issues associated with homosexuality in the country.

He said the bill has provisions to prevent the assault of alleged homosexuals and provide support, care, and treatment for homosexuals.

According to Stephen Asamoah Boateng, he is opposed to same-sex marriage in the country.

“Same-sex legalising in Ghana, I am opposed to it,” he said.

He made this comment when he appeared before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Monday for vetting.

Mr Boateng’s comment was in response to Awutu Senya West MP, Gizella Tetteh’s question about his view on the legalisation of same-sex marriage in Ghana.

Over the last few years, the issue has been a hot topic in Ghana with a bill – anti-LGBTQI currently before Parliament to criminalise the activities of the LGBTQ+ community in the country.

Touching on what his legacy would be when given the nod as the sector minister since he has two years to be in office, Mr Boateng noted that he would fight for the Ministry to assume its rightful position as custodians of tradition.

He further stated that he would ensure that “our traditional authorities are lifted higher to the dignified and noble status.

“Our Christian and Moslem leadership must be given the necessary support so they can get congregation to understand that we are one nation which is a sovereign state … so my role is to make sure that we all work together on this aspect and not bring trouble. In the case of conflict, we will manage it and jaw jaw,” he added.

In its 2021 annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, the US Department of State expressed concern about significant human rights issues such as “crimes involving violence or threats of violence targeting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or intersex persons; existence of laws criminalizing consensual same-sex sexual conduct between adults.”

Speaking on Foreign Affairs with Blessed Sogah on JoyNews channel, Friday, December 10, 2022 the foreign diplomat noted that discrimination of all kinds is bad, hence the need for social protection measures to protect the minority group. 

“I also want to be really clear that we are not trying to be promoting homosexuality or anything like that. We don’t want your straight children to be gay, we want your gay children to be safe and I think it is very important that any sort of threat on one group demonstrates that rights of other people can be encroached upon and discrimination of any kind frankly, is bad,” she said.

Recounting experiences of close family relations on discrimination and repression, the ambassador noted that, “My family has experienced discrimination. I think Ghanaians and African and African- Americans have all experienced discrimination.”

“When my husband and I were courting, he’s South African, it was illegal in South Africa because the immorality act made inter-racial couples illegal. But now we’ve been married almost forty years, but people are like really? How could that ever have been illegal?  And I hope that someday we will feel like that about women and children who are being discriminated against. Discrimination is harmful,” she added.

He says in spite of everyone’s sexual orientation they should be treated with respect.

“When you talk about LGQBTI, I just know that my children have no hate in them, I don’t raise my children to hate. Whatever you are I might treat you with respect just like I expect you to treat me with respect. That’s how I was raised and that’s how I’m raising my kids, there’s no hate, there’s no prejudice, we are God’s creation and so I don’t have that power to be judgmental,” he said.

He said this on The Probe on Saturday, during the Father’s day edition. The show brought together fathers from the entertainment industry to deliberate on both national and issues bordering on Fatherhood.

Asked by host Emefa Apawu about his view on the LGBTQI discourse, he stated that whether a child is oriented to be part of the LGBTQI community or not depends on how they are raised at home.

“Charity, they say, begins at home,” he said. He added that for him, he is raising his kids to be heterosexual since they’re being raised by heterosexual parents, but in case they change their minds in the future, that’s not going to be grounds to reject or disown them.

“If I am saying that I’ll raise my children because they come from a heterosexual unit, I know what I’ll put to my children through. However, I’m not God and sometimes you get surprises and you’ve just got to deal with it, but the love remains the same.”

According to him, even though he does not embrace the practice as an individual, he does not understand the public outcry and heightened discussions around the issue.

Speaking in an interview on Accra-based Asaase Radio, he expressed his reservations about the ‘hypocrisy’ surrounding the conversation about gays and called for the practitioners to be left alone.

“I don’t subscribe to gay. It’s a choice. Because I’m not attracted by them. But I don’t want to go into people’s bedrooms. I don’t want to see what they’re doing. If people want to be gay, I think it should be their own problem.

“I won’t go-ahead to be a persecutor of those who want to be together as man and man, or woman and woman. I think there’s too much hypocrisy about it.”

The comments by the NPP National Chairman have been greeted with mixed reactions from a section of the populace on social media.

While some have applauded his suggestions, others have criticised his opinion and accused him of wanting to deepen moral deprivation in the country.

The issue of the legalisation of homosexuality in Ghana has been a thorny development in the country, with the population divided on its appropriateness.

Debates have been rife on both traditional and social media about whether the practice of LGBTQ should be tolerated in Ghana or otherwise.

For those rallying behind its legalisation, they have consistently argued since it does affect any other party, the practitioners should not be prevented.

On the other hand, the critics have stated that the practice of LGBTQ has the potential of eroding the country’s values and diluting Ghana’s distinct cultural heritage.

Meanwhile, sponsors of the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, popularly called the anti-LGBTQ Bill, are lamenting the delay in progressing the proposed legislation through Parliament.

A co-sponsor of the Bill, Emmanuel Bedzrah is demanding answers from the Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee, which is currently deliberating on the proposal.

According to the Ho West legislator, the silence of the Committee on the Bill is too loud and must at least give an update to the House.

“Since we referred the Bill to the Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee last year, we have not heard anything. Mr. Speaker, even when we resumed, we have not even seen any indication as to when this Bill will be presented before the House.

And we all know that our standing orders state that a Bill before the Committee should not go beyond three months”, he noted on the floor of Parliament on June 7.

On the back of this, Mr Bedzrah asked the Chairperson of the Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee, Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi to explain to the House, reasons for the delay.

“We want to find out from the leader when this Bill will be presented for second reading and consideration for the Bill to be passed?” he quizzed.

Responding to the concerns, Deputy Majority Leader, Afenyo-Markin said the Ho West MP was “performing to people in the gallery”.

He noted that the MP should not accuse the House of delaying the Bill when the Committee has not brought any report.

According to Mr Afenyo-Markin, Parliament’s leadership cannot act until the Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee concludes its public deliberation on the Bill.

“My colleague knows that the Bill has received a lot of memoranda and there have been hearings. So I believe that you would have to activate the process through the Committee because as a House, we cannot programme a Committee when they have not brought their report to us.

So don’t let us do the blame game or do certain things for the optics and create the wrong impression about ourselves. Parliament works first at the Committee level and second, the plenary. We have made a referral to the Committee made up of both Majority and Minority, so if you’ve not brought the report don’t come and accuse the House of delaying the Bill”, he stated.

In August, 2021, eight parliamentarians jointly submitted a Private Members Bill to push for the criminalisation of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ+) activities in the country.

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

Since the Bill was made public, opposers have argued that should it be passed into law, it will be in violation of the fundamental human rights of individuals who identify with the group.

The Bill is currently with the Parliamentary Committee that has since called on citizens to submit documents stating their positions.

With over 124 memoranda from the public over the anti-LGBTQI+ Bill, the Committee has been occasionally holding public hearing on it.

According to him, Section 6 of the Bill, which deals with the criminalisation of sexual acts and gender identities, exempts intersex people from sanctions.

His statement was in reaction to a remark by MP for Ablekuma West, Mrs Ursula Owusu-Ekuful who expressed concern about the supposed criminalisation of intersex people, and others with biological anomalies.

He said: “The Honourable Member makes a specific claim that we’re criminalising intersex, Mr Chairman, that again is false, is unfortunate and I’d want to use this opportunity to educate the Honourable Member that our bill does not criminalise intersex.”

The MP said this at the second public hearing organised by the Parliamentary Committee tasked to probe the memoranda submitted to Parliament on the Bill on November 29, 2021.

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.

Appearing before the Committee during the first hearing on Thursday, November 11, 2021, the Concerned Ghanaian Citizens, a group opposing the passage of the Bill, described it as a violation of human rights.

They stressed that the Bill will promote hate against persons belonging to the LGBTQ+ communities.

The spokesperson for the group, Akoto Ampaw, accused the Speaker of violating the constitution by allowing the Bill to be introduced in Parliament.

He called on the House to reject the passage of the Bill.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council has called for the swift passage of the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, 2021, into law.

Other groups that appeared before the Committee on the first day of the hearing included the Human Rights Coalition, Amnesty International and Advocates for Christ.

He said inculcating the values and tenets of human rights at all levels of education would make people aware of their rights and make them respect the rights of others.

“I can assure you that if we had human rights as part of our education, by the time children leave junior high school and senior high school and go into society, they would have a measure of what their rights are and what the rights of fellow citizens are,” he said.

He was speaking at a workshop for Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on the United Nations Universal Periodic Review (UN UPR), the UN mechanism used to measure countries’ human rights records and compliance with human rights values.

It was organised by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the POS Foundation, a CSO, and dubbed: ‘CSO’s Report Submission: The use of technology amidst COVID-19 in the promotion of Ghana’s human rights record under UN UPR Mechanism for the 4th Cycle Review.’

UN UPR

The UPR was initiated in 2006 after the establishment of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC), and it became one of the core mandates of the council.

It is a unique mechanism where each of the 193 UN member countries is peer-reviewed and examined on its human rights record every five years regardless of its size or political influence.

As part of the review, countries are obliged to respond to recommendations by their peers and also provide data on the implementation of recommendations previously accepted.

Ghana’s human rights record was first reviewed by the HRC in May 2008, followed by another one in October 2012, with the third in November 2017.

The country’s next review was supposed to be next year, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been shifted to January 2023.

There are normally two reports that are submitted by Ghana to the HRC to be reviewed, one by CSOs led by the POS Foundation, and a State report by the government.

The Executive Director of the POS Foundation, Jonathan Owusu, said over the years, CSOs had collaborated with the government at various levels to ensure the country met its UPR obligations.

Currently, he said, the POS and other CSOs — in partnership with the UNDP — were developing a web portal that would be a repository for the country’s UPR activities.

Not meant to shame

In a speech read on her behalf, the UN Resident Representative to Ghana, Dr Angela Lusigi, said the UPR was not meant to shame any country on its human rights record but was rather a mechanism to help countries identify the gaps in their systems.

“Countries are encouraged to develop National Action Plans based on recommendations received from the review. The UPR reporting is, therefore, an accountability mechanism,” she said.

She reminded countries about the importance of human rights to national and human development, describing it as the foundation for the achievement of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“Concretely, more than 90 per cent of the SDG targets are linked to provisions of international human rights instruments. This accountability for human rights is also accountability for the SDGs,” she added.

Govt committed

The Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, in a speech read on his behalf, said the government was committed to the promotion of human rights and was constantly working to meet its UPR obligations.

He lauded CSOs and the media for constantly putting the spotlight on human rights issues and helping in the preparation of reports to be submitted to the HRC.

According to the private legal practitioner, the bill poses a lot of threat to Ghana’s fledgling democracy, with a possibility of promoting a culture of hate and discrimination in the country.

Making his submissions at Parliament’s public hearing on the bill, Prof. Prempeh intimated that, as far as he’s concerned, the bill is devoid of any connection with the values of the Ghanaian people, as the proponents posit.

“But more importantly, contrary to the claims that are made by the proponents of the bill, there’s nothing homegrown about this bill. Nothing homegrown or original about this bill at all,” he stressed.

For him, Ghana is not an island that exists in isolation and as such the country should not pass laws that do not reflect the aspirations of the world in which Ghana thrives.

Professor H. Kwasi Prempeh and other prominent academics are therefore clamoring against the passage of the bill into law. In their opinion, the LGBTQ+ community also have rights and freedoms which should not be trampled upon, under the guise of cultural values.

Meanwhile, tons of Ghanaians, including the Pentecost Church of Ghana, the Methodist Church and other traditional orthodox churches have all expressed solidarity with the bill, and have publicly advocated for its passage.

The ongoing public hearing by Parliament which begun on Thursday, is part of efforts by the Legislature to rake in varied opinions to shape discussions about the passage of the bill.

The Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill aims at criminalising the practice of LGBTQ and all of its related forms in Ghana.

The comment by the business mogul is in support of the ‘Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, 2021’, also known as the ‘Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill’ currently before parliament.

According to the bill, 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.”

Again, the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill also proposes that “a person who, by use of media, technological platform, technological account or any other means, produces, procures, markets, broadcasts, disseminates, publishes or distributes a material for purposes of promoting an activity prohibited under the Bill, or a person who uses an electronic device, the Internet service, a film, or any other device capable of electronic storage or transmission to produce, procure, market, broadcast, disseminate, publishes or distribute a material for purposes of promoting an activity prohibited under the Bill, commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a term of imprisonment of not less than five years and not more than ten years.”

Speaking on the topic, Elder Tobbin explained that the issue of LGBTQ, which has been in existence for a long time, goes against procreation.

He noted that the act distorts procreation and seeks to end the human race.

“I applaud the Chairman of the Pentecost Church and the general Christian community on their stance against LGBTQ+.  I believe it’s a very bad practice which shouldn’t be tolerated,” he added.

Meanwhile, President Nana Akufo-Addo says he does not feel pressured by the ongoing debates with respect to the passage of the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, 2021.

“We are talking about public opinion, we are talking about legitimate process that is being used. What I would hope for is that the debate itself will be civil and that we would recognize the need to be civil and tolerant of each other even when there are opposing views,” President Akufo-Addo had stressed.

The Bill, according to the human rights organisation, denies LGBTQ+ persons the human dignity guaranteed to all persons under Section 15 of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution.

Ghana is one of the African countries struggling to accept LGBTQ+ persons.

Country Director of Amnesty International Ghana, Frank Doyi, noted, “the bill gravely contravenes the principles of the equality and non-discrimination. It violates the principles of the rights to freedom of expression, association, and privacy and the prohibition of culture enshrined in the 1992 Constitution of Ghana and International Human Rights teachings ratified by Ghana.”

Amnesty International assured that it does not promote or encourage the practice of LGBTQ+. It rather seeks to protect the best interest of all.

“Amnesty International does not oppose or support any form of sexual orientation. Our business, simply, is to protect the fundamental human rights and freedoms of all citizens without discrimination and distinction. We’re not advocating for people to be LGBTQ or encouraging people to go about describing themselves in one form of the other,” Mr Doyi said.

The anti-LGBTQ+ bill is in parliament awaiting approval. Reactions from many, have been that of disgust and hatred.

Amnesty International, has recorded incidents of abuse, threats to the lives of alleged LGBTQ+ persons.

The organisation, therefore, wants parliament to take a second look at the bill.

This, according to Deputy Minority Whip, Ahmed Ibrahim, will allay fears of any unconstitutionality that may arise ahead of its Anti-LGBTQ bill’s deliberation on the floor.

Article 106 (14) indicates that A bill introduced in Parliament by or on behalf of the President shall not be delayed for more than three months in any committee of Parliament.

Speaking on the Floor of the House on Friday, Mr Ibrahim argued that next week will be the third month since the presentation of the bill to the Committee.

“This was a bill presented through a coalition, and some of our members and they’re expecting too much from Parliament. But, unfortunately, nothing is being heard even though last week Mr Speaker himself was emphatic,” the Banda MP said.

So far, over 100 memoranda have been received by the Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee regarding the draft bill.

If passed in its current state, the document will criminalise the activities of LGBTQI+ and individuals and organisations that advocate or promote the activity in the country.

The controversial bill has been accompanied by mounting pressure from a section of the public, including top clergy members and Islamic clerics who want it to become law expeditiously.

However, series of memoranda, which oppose the legislation, have also been presented to the Committee, describing it as an endorsement of state-sponsored violence against minority groups and an infringement on their human rights.

On the back of this, coupled with the upcoming budgets statement to be read by Finance Minister, Mr Ibrahim is soliciting answers from the Committee on the way forward.

“For the three months that we went on recess, I was expecting that there will be a meeting [Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee] and I will take part,” he explained, adding that no meeting was brought to his attention as a member of the Committee.

He wanted the Chairman of the Committee to explain what has accounted for the delay and the measures to avert a potential constitutional breach.

Meanwhile, Deputy Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin revealed that the Committee met on Thursday, October 28, to figure out a bill’s consideration roadmap.

In August, eight parliamentarians jointly submitted a private bill to push for the criminalisation of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer and their related activities (LGBTQ+) in the country.

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

An open ballot system is a voting method in which voters vote openly, in contrast to a secret ballot, where a voter’s choices are confidential.

Proponents of the system point to the fact that it means the ballot box cannot be tampered with in the way an anonymous election can.

On the other hand, by foregoing the secrecy of the ballot, voters may be intimidated into voting a certain way which might be different from how they would actually vote if allowed to do so anonymously.

“The decision of the House will be made public. We will want to know where each Member of Parliament stands,” Mr Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin announced, as he welcomed members of the Legislature back from recess to begin a two-month meeting prior to Christmas.

The Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values, 2021 Bill, nicknamed Anti-Gay Bill, and now with the Constitutional, Parliamentary and Legal Affairs Committee of Parliament, is a Private Members’ Bill championed by eight legislators, seeking to outlaw the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) and adjacent activities, and stipulating jail terms for offenders, sympathisers and funders.

The bill, introduced to the House in July 2021, underwent its first reading on 3rd August 2021 and has since been transmitted to Parliament’s Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee with subsequent readings with the resumption of the House from recess.

Since its introduction to Parliament, the Anti-Gay Bill has generated a lot of interest with different dimensions as it awaited consideration by the House.

Speaker Bagbin cautioned that the House would not allow any filibustering of the Bill, but would create an enabling environment for all to put across their views.

He agreed with Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah Bonsu for committee sittings on the proposed law to be held public.

Speaker Bagbin assured Ghanaians that the Parliament would pass a law that protects the Ghanaian culture and values as a people which would also ensure the identity of Ghanaians.

“I persuade that this Parliament will pass a law that is in sync with our constitutional provisions, particularly the provisions on fundamental human rights and freedoms, and the various laws that exist in this country.

“I am persuaded that we will pass a law that is rich in common sense, human decency, morality fact, logic, and the one that does not foment hatred in any shape or form, “the Speaker insisted.

On the Affirmative Action Bill, which gives legal backing to put more women in government positions, Speaker Bagbin said: “I am determined to ensure that Affirmative Action Bill is passed during the course of this meeting.”

He emphasized the need for the House with other Arms of Government, civil society, and the media, and entreated members to get on board and to purge Parliament of the perception of being subservient to the Executive.

Speaker, who is also the Vice President of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association International, commended Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu on his election to the association’s vice chairmanship position and announced that Ghana would host the 2023 international conference.

Speaker Bagbin urged all MPs to give maximum support to the Chair and Leadership to speed up their activities and also pleaded with the various Ministers to respond to calls from the House and respect the timetable of the House while urging them to take keen interests in the preparation of their Ministries’ Budgets.

He noted that the Regions of Ghana Bill, 2021, and the Standing Orders Bill, 2021 were two important Bills to attract the attention of the House and charged the MPs to work hard to enable the House to pass all outstanding bills if they regularly and punctually attended parliamentary sittings.

Chairman of TLCC, Reverend Francis Tetteh, said the activities of Lesbians, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex persons (LGBTQI+) are against the body of Christ.

“Activities of LGBTQI+ groups are unbiblical and ungodly. It is unrighteousness in the sight of God and even against the norms of Ghana,” Rev. Tetteh said in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem Thursday.

Even more worrying, he stated is the grave health implications that come with activities of homosexuals including HIV/Aids infections.

The Tema Local Council of Churches Chairman appealed to Parliament not to be intimidated by external pressures and pass the anti-LGBTQI Bill to safeguard the future of the country.

“Parliament should be bold and courageous and not be deterred by both internal and external forces who are against the passage of the bill,” he added.

Rev. Tetteh also urged other churches, especially the Anglican Church to be strong and courageous in the face of the threat from their mother church to support such immoral acts.

Play attached audio for more:

According to the queen mother, the President’s stance on the matter will calm nerves and bring relief to many in the country.

In August, eight parliamentarians jointly submitted a private bill to push for the criminalisation of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ+) and their related activities in the country.

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

Since the controversial bill was made public, opposers have argued that should it be passed into law, it will violate the fundamental human rights of individuals who identify with the group.

Thus, addressing the President during his tour of the Central Region, Nana Afransi, said it would be a bad record that would soil the president’s legacy should he allow such advocacy and practices of the LGBTQ+ in Ghana.

She told the president: “Nana, some of our kith and kin want to change how God created them, and we won’t allow that to happen. Our traditions and customs abhor such practices, and we will kick against them.”

She further asked the president to make some pronouncements to put the issue to rest.

“When we lift our eyes, we see you. We don’t want this to be part of your records and legacies you are leaving behind; it would be such a dent in your legacy,” she said.

Nana Afransi is convinced the president could intervene by influencing the parliamentarians to pass the bill that would halt all advocacies on LGTBQ+.

The president, who didn’t respond to the issues raised by the queen mother, assured the chiefs and people of the area that his government’s policies would begin to yield results for all to see.

President Akufo-Addo told the people to demand of the opposition party any good policy they intend rolling out should they win power.

“All that they are doing is hurling insult on me. In all their rounds, they have not been able to put forward any policy they intend to pursue should they be given the nod to govern this country. So, next time they come here, ask them,” the President said.

The Assemblies of God Ghana church is declaring open support for the passage of the bill to protect Ghanaian values and ensure proper sexual rights for the dignity of Ghanaians.

The Executive Presbytery of the Assemblies of God, Ghana, said the memo was submitted for consideration by the Parliamentary Select Committee on Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs.

Some key issues raised in the memorandum said the biblical account of creation states that God created human beings as “male and female” and blessed their marital union (Genesis 1:26–28; 2:20–25).

It added, authors of the Scripture interpreted this twofold act of creation and blessing to entail moral norms such as the mutual cultivation of intimacy between husband and wife and the prohibition of sexual immorality and divorce (c.f., Matthew 19:4–9; Mark 10:5–12; 1 Corinthians 7:12–20; Hebrews 13:4).

“The prophet Moses, Jesus the Messiah, and the apostle Paul are united in common witness to the goodness of humanity’s existence as biological complements, as well as the moral norms that should govern male-female sexual behaviour,” the memorandum said.

The Assemblies of God believes that recent decades have witnessed the steady erosion of biblical moral norms governing sexual behaviour.

It indicated that as these norms regarding, among others, nonmarital sexual intercourse, homosexual activity, marital fidelity, procreation, and divorce have given way in the broader culture to more permissive understandings, new and more fundamental challenges have emerged to the very notion of biological complementarianism itself.

The memorandum said the “transgender moment,” as it has been called, allows a person to select a gender identity at variance with their biological sex, indicating that it called for a biblical and theological appraisal.

The memo seeks to set the framework for understanding the experience of transgender persons in social-scientific terms.

Then, it turns to a theological evaluation of the matter in light of what the Bible teaches about the sanctity of the human body, and about transgender behaviours, thereby answering the question of how society should deal with transgender persons.

“Finally, practical guidelines are offered as to how the larger society should respond to people who struggle with gender identity, a struggle that is difficult for the vast majority of persons-Christian or otherwise-to understand,” the memo said.

The latest to join the fray is the chief of Terchire, Nana Okoh Agyemang Boakye II, in the Tano North District of the Ahafo Region.

He has warned natives and residents that the necessary traditional rites would be performed to banish anyone caught in the LGBTQ+ act in the community.

He said the community joins other Ghanaians who have given their blessings for parliament to pass the Promotion of proper Human sexual Rights and Ghanaian family values bill, 2021.

Nana Okoh Agyemang Boakye II spoke during a courtesy call on him by the Catholic Bishop of Goaso, Most Reverend Peter Kwaku Atuahene, at his palace.

“Even if Parliament would have to vote to decide on the fate of the bill, we plead for it to be done transparently. This would enable us to know the voting pattern of our representatives in Parliament -whether they support good or evil, and to help us know the kind of persons we voted for”, the chief said.

The advent of colonialism, he explained, has contributed to the clamor for the rights of LGBTQ+ to be respected, a situation he said was nonexistent when chiefs were the sole leaders of the communities.

The chief of Terchire urged other traditional leaders to ensure such evil and alien acts do not prevail in the communities even if parliament accepts the rights of the LGBTQ+ members.

“In my traditional area – Terchire, I won’t permit that act. If you intend to marry or have any sexual activity with the same sex, it won’t happen here. Whatever rites that must be performed to banish such people and their families out of this town, will be done”, he warned.

“Terchire will not entertain any such act or person”, he stressed and further called on the Catholic Bishop of Goaso to propagate their position on the rights of gays and lesbians wherever he goes.

Already, the chiefs of Dormaa, Drobo, Suma, among others, have publicly declared their opposition to the rights of LGBTQ+.

The chief also appealed to the Bishop to lobby for development projects for the community, especially in the areas of education and health.

On his part, Most Reverend Peter Kwaku Atuahene reiterated the Catholic Bishops Conference opinions and positions on the Anti LGBTQ+ Bill and noted that though the desire of the community seems to be getting out of hand, requiring God’s intervention even as they also continue on their campaign against it.

He, however, appealed to the chiefs to continue to support them even as they continue to pray for God’s guidance and direction for the leaders to vote based on what the majority of Ghanaians want for the peace of the country.

The Catholic Bishop, who was given a stool as a symbol of friendship, also promised to lead the Church to work together for the development and continuous coexistence of the members and the community.

Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu has categorically stated that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) stands united in opposing LGBTQI+ activities in Ghana.

He said the caucus absolutely supports the promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values bill 2021 better known as anti-LGBTQI+ bill.

He said Members of Parliament are the representatives and have the obligation to protect the fiber of Ghanaian society in order to promote cohesion and unity.

He also added that this would help preserve time-tested cultural practices and beliefs that have put Ghanaians together as one nation.

For those who claim that the LGBTQI+ is a matter of human rights, he quoted section 104 of the criminal offences Act 1960 which clearly identifies the various rights in the country.

“Where were those rights of LGBTQI+?” he asked after assessing a portion of the Constitution while making reference to the section that focuses on unnatural carnal knowledge.

Describing the sexual practice as incredible absurdity, Mr Iddrisu opined that the advocates are overstretching the human rights entrenched in the constitution.

He educated that the world has passed through three generations of rights; civil and political, economic and collective solidarity, and all three did not contemplate LGBTQI rights.

In an interview with Agyenkwa FM in Kumasi, the actor said he doesn’t understand the hatred against the LGBTQI community in Africa.

He urged people to change their perceptions against them, adding that, no one including Christians should have the right to judge people in the LGBTQI community.

He explained that no one was placed on earth to decide how someone lives their life.

Jim Iyke added that if their lives are not an impediment to anyone, he doesn’t see why they should be judged.

The Nollywood actor climaxed his opinion by saying that Jesus didn’t come for perfect people and homosexuals are no different.

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Researcher and International Consultant, Dr Vladimir Antwi-Danso, has cautioned Europeans against imposing the rights of homosexuals on Ghanaians.

He cited an instance where he wanted to physically assault former Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), Ban Ki-moon for advocating for the rights of homosexuals at a forum designed to address food insecurity in Africa.

He also observed that he was incensed over the decision of the American embassy to hoist the flag of homosexuals in the midst of a massive campaign in Ghana.

He also challenged Europeans to champion the rights of homosexuals in the Arabian countries if they believe in rights.

He made these remarks while speaking at an event to mark UN International Day of Democracy themed: The role of state actors and civil societies in consolidating democracy, human rights and peace.

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Dr Antwi-Danso further argued that African leaders lack the appreciation of democracy.

To him, democracy on the continent is like sweet cake being enjoyed by a few who contribute nothing to it.

Listen to Dr Antwi-Danso in the audio attached:

In his view, since the majority of Ghanaians are Christians, he is motivated to push for the bill to uphold the Christian values since in “Leviticus 20:10, adultery is a serious sin punishable by death.”

Mr Otchere-Darko’s comment follows a backlash he has received for opposing the anti-LGBTQI+ Bill in Parliament.

He fears Ghana might be blacklisted by the international community for promoting hate against homosexuals.

But proponents of the Bill, led by Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Sam Nartey George, said their motivation is to protect Ghanaian values.

In the same spirit, Mr Otchere-Darko, in a post on Facebook, proposed a Private Members Bill on adultery.

Below is his Facebook:

Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram constituency has lashed out at a leading member of the ruling New Patriotic Party, Gabby Otchere-Darko, for claiming Ghana will be blacklisted should the LGBTQI+ bill be passed.

Sam Nettey George maintained that such a comment is fear-mongering and a misconception of the LGBTQI group.

Mr Otchere-Darko, who was also the former Executive Director of the Danquah Institute, said the bill against same-sex rights will have negative effects on the country.

He argued that LGBTQI+ activities are illegal in Ghana but the sudden anti-LGBTQ+ bill goes a long way to show hatred against the LGBTQ+ community.

But Mr George, on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme Tuesday, expressed shock at the comments of Mr Otchere-Darko who should know better.

He could not fathom why he fears Ghana will lose money at the expense of upholding culture and traditions.

“Only three percent of Ghana’s expenditure comes from aid and people like Gabby are worried we will lose this? Money is not everything,” the Ningo Prampram MP said.

He said nowhere in the bill does it promote homophobic sentiments for Ghana to be blacklisted.

Mr George cited how European countries like Hungry and Poland and African countries like Uganda and Nigeria have passed similar laws yet have not been blacklisted to buttress his point.

“What has happened to Hungry, Poland, Nigeria and Uganda who have passed similar laws? Everything in the bill is covered by section 104 of the 1992 Constitution,” he stressed.

Mr George said they won’t fall for the propaganda from the LGBTQI+ group to be cowed into submission.

He says the bill, on the contrary, is aimed at promoting the rights of all Ghanaians including persons who belong to the LGBTQI+ community.

“I’ve heard a lot of propaganda material on the internet which doesn’t represent what the law is all about, but if you read the law, you’ll realise that this is in no way about hate. The Bill is designed to protect the rights of all Ghanaians,” he said.

His comment comes after a group of lawmakers proposed a Bill to criminalise LGBTQI+ activities in the country.

The recent anti-LGBT bill, drafted by some eight Ghanaian legislators, has created several controversies since it was sighted on social media.

The discussion as to whether the 36-page bill indeed seeks to infringe on the human rights of citizens as well as silence free speech has been ongoing for days.

But reacting to the development on the Super Morning Show, Dr Foh-Amoaning explained that the bill is protective of human rights such that it imposes a duty on all citizens to report LGBTQI+ activities instead of physically or verbally abusing victims.

“Nobody is given the right to act extrajudicial. So even if you think that somebody is committing homosexual offenses, you have no right to jump on the person or abuse the person verbally,” he said.

Dr Foh-Amoaning further contended that claims that the Bill is aimed at promoting hate against members of the LGBTQI+ community are mere “propaganda” being pushed by the LGBTQI+ community.

He said the Bill is only aimed at promoting Ghanaian values since no Ghanaian ethnic group subscribes to the practice of any of the activities of the LGBTQI community.

“It is a bill that promotes proper human sexual rights and Ghanaian values. We are trying to strengthen the legal framework to address all the manifestations of what is an LGBTQI agenda,” he said.

In addition, he said the Anti-LGBTQI Coalition has established a medical system that treats persons in the LGBTQ+ spectrum.

“Lawyers have gone to it, judges have gone to it. So many people. I don’t want to mention names. We’ve treated them and they’re all fine. And if you have friends who are in that type of situation, we are willing to help them,” he said.

Also, “persons who recant their status as LGBTQ+ would not have to serve the 10-year jail term but rather would be given medical treatments such as; psychological, psychiatric, and counselling.”

The private members’ bill is being championed by eight members of parliament, namely;

1. Sam George (MP, Ningo-Prampram)
2. Della Sowah (MP, Kpando)
3. Emmanuel Bedzrah (MP, Ho West)
4. John Ntim Forjour (MP, Assin South)
5. Alhassan Suhuyini (MP, Tamale North)
6. Rita Sowah (MP, La Dadekotopon)
7. Helen Ntoso (MP, Krachi West)
8. Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor (MP, South Dayi)

The 36-page document is to ensure proper human sexual rights and Ghanaian family values; proscribe LGBTQ+ and related activities; proscribe propaganda of, advocacy for or promotion of LGBTTQQIAAP+ and related activities; provide for the protection of and support for children, persons who are victims or accused of LGBTTQQIAAP+ and related activities.

It comes at a time when there is a raging debate on the subject of LGBQI+ activities in the country and the tolerance of the country’s laws to persons in the queer community.

The proponents of the bill in their memorandum stated that many national leaders including President Nana Akufo-Addo and ex-presidents such as John Agyekum Kufuor and Prof. Evans Atta-Mills have denounced LGBTQI+ activities.

“We believe the time is ripe for Parliament to actualise the intentions of the framers of our Constitution by providing a legal framework for the promotion of the values that define our nationhood,” the promoters of the bill said.

Below are some 10 key things the bill is proposing:

• Individuals of the same sex who engage in sexual intercourse are to be fined between 50 and 5,000 penalty units or face a jail term of between three years and five years, or both.
• Persons who use any medium or technological platform to produce, procure, market, broadcast, disseminate, publish or distribute materials with the intention of promoting LGBTQI+ activities face a jail term of between five and 10 years.
• All LGBTQI+ groups, associations, clubs and organisations to be disbanded. Anyone found guilty to be jailed between six and 10 years.
• Proscription of sex with or marriage to an animal.
• Ban on same-sex marriage and marriage to someone who has undergone sex reassignment.

• Anyone who funds or sponsors activities of LGBTQI+ groups or individuals to be jailed between five and 10 years.
• LGBTQI+ persons not to be granted application to adopt or foster a child or children.
• Persons of the same sex who make public show of amorous relationship to face jail term of between six months and a year.
• Anyone who physically or verbally assaults, abuses or harasses a person accused of being LGBTQI+ to be fined between 500 penalty units and 1,000 penalty units or to be jailed between six months and a year.
• Persons accused of being LGBTQI+ should be granted access to medical assistance if they make such a request during the period of their incarceration.

He made the remarks at the Speaker’s breakfast meeting to receive a private members’ bill sponsored by the coalition of eight Members of Parliament (MPs) against LGBTQI+ in Ghana.

The brief ceremony was graced by some MPs and some religious leaders, including the immediate past Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, Apostle Opoku Onyinah.

Mr Bagbin, in a clarion call to all Ghanaians to support efforts against the fight, said the bill will be passed into law within the year.

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He also warned people threatening MPs who are sponsoring the bill to desist from such threats as the House will not succumb to any form of pressure.

The Speaker maintained that himself and Parliament will not be cowed by attacks on his person in his quest to criminalise LGBTQI+ practices in Ghana.

In a press statement, the group stated that the charges against the individuals are unknown to the country’s law.

According to the group, the persons are human rights defenders attending paralegal training in the Region.

“The actions of the Ghanaian authorities deny LGBTIQ+ people and their defenders their human rights as guaranteed in the Constitution of Ghana, and also contravene the international human rights treaties that Ghana has ratified guaranteeing the rights to assembly and association,” it said.

This comes after some 21 persons, believed to be members of the LGBTQ group, were remanded into police custody.

“These attitudes are likely to result in violence and other forms of human rights abuses against Ghanaians on the basis of their real or imputed sexual orientation or gender identity,” the statement said.

Read full statement below:

The court, presided over by Justice Felix Datsomor, therefore, remanded the suspects which included 16 females and five males into police custody.

They are to reappear on Friday, June 4, 2021.

The suspects were arrested at a hotel in Godokpui in Ho on Thursday after the Volta Regional Police Command picked information of their meeting aimed at advocating and promoting the rights of LGBTs in Ghana.

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According to the Volta Regional Police PRO, Sergeant Prince Dogbatse, the suspect had in their possession materials on concepts encouraging homosexuals to boldly announce their sexuality among other related books.

“We also got the LGBT+ Muslim book that is among some of the materials that they are using, they also have gender acronyms coming out.

“A concept that is coming out at encouraging persons involved in these behavior to come out publicly to mention or state the sexuality and all about trans, I mean transgender,” he said.

He said everything they found with the suspects clearly depicts their intentions.

“I mean there is an agenda by these people to propagate the LGBTQ behaviour. For now we have referred the preliminary charge of unlawful assembly and while we continue our investigation,” he added.

Police have said they were having a workshop on LGBTQI.

The suspects were made up of 16 women and five men between the ages of 20-35.

They were arraigned before the Ho Circuit Court after their arrest on Thursday and charged with unlawful assembly.

The court, presided over by Justice Felix Dadzomor, declined the bail application by the counsel for the accused persons.

Some items retrieved from the suspects included materials on LGBTQI+ and transgender activities used during their gathering and their mobile phones, which are in the custody of the police to aid in their investigations.

According to the police, the programme was sponsored by some organisations championing the activities of LGBTQI.

The Volta Regional Police Public Relations Officer, Sargent Prince Dogbatse, told Citi News, “clearly there is an agenda by these people to propagate the LGBTQ behaviour.”

The case has been adjourned to June 4, 2021, while suspects have been remanded in the custody of the Regional Police Command.

This follows a statement made by the Australian High Commissioner to Ghana, Gregory Andrews indicating that any attempt by Ghana’s Parliament to enact or pass a legislation to discriminate against the rights of LGBTQI+ community in Ghana and any form of advocacy will be disappointing.

Mr Andrews said the Ghanaian culture needs to accept people for who they are by respecting their rights without causing any harm to such people.

The Australian High Commissioner to Ghana said this when he paid a courtesy call on the Speaker of Parliament during his family visit to Ghana.

But in a sharp rebuttal, Mr Bagbin said Parliament will not legislate to infringe on people’s human rights but the House will legislate to ensure that Ghana’s culture and traditions are not violated because LGBTQI+ practice is an abomination.

He insisted that Ghana cannot accept homosexuality practices in the country because they go against the constitution, adding that no external force will be permitted to impose their norms in the motherland.

This was at the Church of Pentecost, Burma Camp Worship Centre, in Accra.

The event was organised by the Ghana Christian Council and other Ecumenical bodies in collaboration with the National Coalition for Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values.

It was an hour and thirty minutes long prayer marathon on the theme: Homosexuality, A detestable sin to God.

Scriptural references were from Leviticus 20:18, Romans 1:18-32 and 1 Corinthians 6:9-11.

Apostle Prof Opoku Onyinah, immediate past chairman of the Church of Pentecost and his successor, Apostle Eric Kwabena Nyamekye were in attendance.

Others were Rev Dr Joyce Aryee and Executive Secretary of National Coalition for Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values, Moses Foh Amoaning.

Several men of God were also in attendance to grace the occasion.

Scores of Ghanaians were also in attendance to pour their hearts out to God over the recurring matter.

This will be organised by the Ghana Christian Council and other Ecumenical bodies in collaboration with the National Coalition for Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values.

The event is scheduled to take place at the Church of Pentecost, Burma Camp Worship Centre, in Accra.

It will be an hour and thirty minutes long prayer marathon on the theme: Homosexuality, A detestable sin to God.

Scriptural reference will be from Leviticus 20:18, Romans 1:18-32 and 1 Corinthians 6:9-11.

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Speakers for the event include Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams, Most Rev Dr Paul Boafo of the Christian Council, Rev Prof Paul Frimpong Manso, Bishop Dag Heward Mills and Most Rev Philip Naameh.

Read the full details below:

The Bill, if passed, will seek to further strengthen legal jurisprudence and existing legislation on unnatural carnal knowledge to reflect the current state of affairs.

“It is our belief that all members of this House will support this Bill when it comes before the House. We also hope to see action from the Executive through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs calling to order all diplomats whose actions constitute an affront to our laws and sovereignty,” the sponsors of the bill stated.

The statement bordered on the opening of an advocacy office for Lesbians, Gays, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersexual (LGBTQI+) rights in Ghana and the need for a strong national response.

Sponsors

The sponsors of the Bill from the minority National Democratic Congress (NDC) side are Samuel Nartey George (Ningo-Prampram),nEmmanuel Bedzrah (Ho West), Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (North Tongu) and Mrs Adwoa Ntoso (Krachi West).

From the majority New Patriotic Party (NPP) side, the sponsors include Andy Appiah Kubi (Asante Akim North), John Ntim Fordjour (Assin South), Kwaku Asante-Boateng (Asante Akim South) and Mrs Francisca Oteng (Kwabre West).

Breach of Constitution

Presenting the statement, Mr George said as a nation, Ghanaians were completely taken aback by news of the opening of a LGBTQI+ office in Accra on January 31, 2021.

He said in attendance at this event were some delegates from the European Union, the Australian High Commissioner, Gregory Andrews and the Danish Ambassador, Tom Norring, among others.

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He said in a brazen disregard for the position of Ghana’s laws on homosexuality, the EU on its official Facebook Wall advertised its participation in this event and reiterated its support for all civil society organisations supporting LGBTQI+ groups.

“This is nothing short of an open attack on the laws of our country and such unfortunately irresponsible conduct cannot be overlooked or treated with kid gloves. The sovereignty of this country must be respected and protected.

“Mr Speaker, without mincing words and stating as a matter of fact, any action aimed at promoting LGBTQI+ activities in this country is illegal and a clear breach of our constitution and criminal codes,” he said.

Homosexuality constitutes a crime

The MP noted that Article 12(2) of the Constitution dictated the entitlement of all citizens to fundamental human rights and freedoms subject to the respect for the rights and freedoms of others and most importantly for the public interest.

He indicated that the Ghanaian customary law viewed homosexuality as an anathema and did not in any way, shape or form support the promotion of the perverted alien culture of homosexuality.

Furthermore, he said Section 104 of Ghana’s Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) as amended by Act 646 of 2003 criminalised unnatural carnal knowledge.

“Section 104(2) of the Criminal Code states that unnatural carnal knowledge is sexual intercourse with a person in an unnatural manner or with an animal.

“The perverted actions of homosexuals, whether consensual or not, constitute a crime under Ghanaian law as it is unnatural carnal knowledge of another. This is the position of our law,” he said.

Mr George pointed out that “as a representation of our culture, traditions, religious and customary beliefs and morals as a country, any attempt to depart from the current position of the law on homosexuality would be an unprecedented assault on the fabric of the traditions and customs as Ghanaians.

“It will be an attempt to alter the very fibre and DNA of what makes us Ghanaian. The unitary position of the several cultures and ethnicities within the jurisdiction of the Republic on an abhorrence for homosexuality is testament to its unacceptability to the vast majority of Ghanaians,” he said.

Private Members Bill

In July 2020, Parliament adopted the proposal for the enactment of the Private Members Bill which made the introduction of bills in Parliament for consideration no longer the sole prerogative of the Executive.

The adoption of the proposal paved the way for individual MPs who are not ministers of state or non-government officials, as well as private citizens, to introduce or initiate bills on the floor of the House for consideration.

This is in sharp contrast to the culture where bills only emanate from the Executive, which introduces bills on the floor of Parliament through ministers of state and other government officials.

His gesture comes after he lost over one million followers on his Twitter page after declaring his support for the “rainbow” world.

Adomonline.com realised the page was having about 1.7 million followers but currently the Ghanaian athlete has not more than 689,000 followers and it keeps reducing by the minute.

Essien, earlier declared his support for the LGBT+ community on his various social media posts where he was quoted as saying:

“We see you, we hear you, we support you. Our LGBTIA community in Ghana.”

The post also had a text reading “Ghana Supports Equality” painted with the colours of the flag of Ghana.

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Meanwhile, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has been keen on his position that under no circumstance will LBGT+ relationship be legalised in the country.

According to the First Man, who is under pressure from various religious institutions, homosexuality will not be legalised under his tenure.

“It will not be under the presidency of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo that same-sex marriage will be legalised in Ghana, it will never happen in my time as president,” he stressed.

The football legend posted a flyer with “Ghana supports equality’’ on his Instagram page.

The post had the inscription that read: “We see you, we hear you, we support you. Our LGBTQIA plus community in Ghana. #ghanasupportequality.’’ 

However, this did not go down well with some fans and followers who have expressed mixed reactions.

Some could not hold back the anger and unleashed insults while others expressed dissatisfaction with the post coupled with threats to unfollow him.

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The Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Minister-designate has disclosed his stance on the LGBTQI+ matter saying that as a Christian and with the nature of his upbringing, he is against the group and its activities.

Ebenezer Kum said chiefs and some religious bodies have spoken against the group and that when he’s given the nod he would recommend that Cabinet does not encourage these practices when they are brought before them.

“For instance, our laws on marriage have not been amended. Marriage as defined in our laws is a union between a man and a woman,” he noted.

He told Parliament’s Appointments Committee during his vetting Friday that the decision is for the State to make in order to put this matter to rest.

“My views may matter but at the end of the day it is the collective wealth of the good people of Ghana that will prevail in finding a lasting solution to these activities,” he said.

The preacher has expressed disappointment that mother Ghana is paying any attention to the LGBTQI community.

In his opinion, such a debate has proved Ghana is dead, for which he is in uncontrollably mourning.

Prophet Kumchacha said he has never, since his birth, seen deviants this bold, even to the extent of setting up offices.

The Muslim turned Christian said LGBTQI goes contrary to morality and culture, hence must be deemed unacceptable by all standards.

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To express his grief, Kumchacha was spotted rocking a black Kente ensemble with a pair of dark sunglasses, a new way of dressing he says he has adopted indefinitely to express his disappointment.

He is also admonishing well-meaning citizens to mourn Ghana anyhow they can; in their way of dressing or to publicly cast out such rainbow individuals.