The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has broken his silence over the controversies surrounding the passage of the anti-LGBTQ+ bill.
The bill, originally referred to as "Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill", was passed by Parliament on Wednesday, February 27, 2024 to prohibit homosexual activities in the country.
The framers of the bill have proposed a 6-month to 5 years jail sentence to offenders of the provisions against the LGBTQ+ society.
But the international community and some section of the Ghanaian populace have condemned the bill, stating it is inhumane and detrimental to the persons who identify with the LGBTQ+ community.
The opposition is therefore calling on the President not to assent to the bill.
Responding to the hullabaloo regarding the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, the President, in a statement copied to Peacefmonline.com, has served notice that his decision to assent to the bill or otherwise might delay.
The President cited a Supreme Court case by some persons in the country challenging the constitutionality of the bill.
Due to this, he has asked the nation to "hold our hands, and await the decision of the Court" before he takes any action.
“I think it will serve little purpose to go, at this stage, into the details of the origin of this proposed law, which is yet to reach my desk. But, suffice it to say, that I have learnt that, today, a challenge has been mounted at the Supreme Court by a concerned citizen to the constitutionality of the proposed legislation. In the circumstances, it would be, as well, for all of us to hold our hands, and await the decision of the Court before any action is taken. The operation of the institutions of the Ghanaian state will determine the future trajectory of the rule of law and human rights compliance in our country,” portions of the statement dated March 4, 2024 further said.
Read full statement below:
Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana
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They can convert the Church of Pentecost prison for this purpose, equip it well with professionals including pastors who will help them to transform. What better purpose can a prison edifice built by a church could serve?
What is so eminent about this LGBTQ+ that needs immediate attention? What correction is there for those who would be sent to prison because of LGBTQ+? We shouldn't limit this discussion to just ***barred word*** ***barred word***, please we should all take holistic approach in addressing issues like this. We have laws for everything in Ghana but how many of them have been properly and effectively enforced? I suggest they have a special prison or place for people with such behavioral issues that is equipped with Psychologists and psychiatrists who would help them to transform.
When the western world tell our leaders to kill their first born for money they will do it . It is inhuman for man to marry two women but right for man to marry man, man to marry trees.
And what's mind boggling is that the president is seeking to question the legitimacy of the bill as privately sponsored, however, he's anticipating the predetermined supreme court ruling on the challenge that is also "privately being sponsored". Ah well...... Or you say the president suddenly became the smartest Ghanaian after we graciously heeded his begging for us to try him?
This is the time to show that we are a dignified sovereign people, we can think for ourselves, decide for ourselves and stand by our convictions. We have to stand up for the consequences of our decision and use wisdom to build a nation that overcomes their predicament over time. If we set the example, many African countries will join and we become a stronger force to reckon. We can't be postponing our true liberty for pennies when those on the other side still benefit far more financially than us. We should learn to live by good principles. Know that even the for the West, things won't be the same forever, they will one day get reasonable leaders who will respect our decisions as sovereign people and corporate with us with dignity.
Mr Skyblade or whoever you are, we are actually living in the Ghana beyond aid that we're promised. Who should have been responsible enough to sort our home? If the president knows how to be smart now to avoid signing the bill and prevent the displeasure of their masters, why didn't he start being that smart upon resuming office to actually walk the talk of building the Ghana beyond aid? Instead, he has been overly political continuing the mediocre order in this advanced age. His party is supporting that and Bawumia is obviously continuing in that, so when are we going to be able to do the things we desired for ourselves as a sovereign people. Can the west threaten the gulf countries or Asia on this same grounds? Stop defending mediocrity and visionlessness
Mr Kay whoever you are. Looks like you people live in Disney land thinking this country can survive on it's own. The kind of world system we have today, it takes a lot to free ourselves from the system we live in. You got to be smart about it. Unfortunately, we have never been smart about it. Some of you are joking with the consequences. Akuffo Addo has done nothing. He is just an easy target for insults from the likes of u. Only a ***barred word*** leader will quickly sign this without thinking. Are we ready to accept leaders like the Ugandan president who you cannot go publicly and insult. I have lived in Uganda and at one point wanted to rush back to Ghana. Most of you just talk from your stomach. You don't know the hell what you are thinking of. The one who started this Bill has actually plunged the country into a great mess. Make no mistake, if the president signs this Bill without being smart about it, we will be in trouble in our current situation. We should have sorted our home before embarking on this ***barred word*** exercise.
Hehehe, I am very surprised that anyone was hoping for Nana to sign this bill. You guys still don't know this man yet? Your concern should not even be about signing the bill but about using his high empanelled supreme court to frustrate the bill. You see that his so called statement sought to reassure the international community, the diplomatic world but not to calm the nerves of agitated Ghanaians? He cares less about Ghanaians. And this agrees with his consistent posture towards Ghanaians. Many disturbing incidents have happened in Ghana during his tenure that he never commented on, yet similar or even less in magnitude happened elsewhere and he was the first to send out his message of solidarity or consolation. Does he truly believe in democracy or the right of citizens? Or he believes in the partial manifestation of same? In government, there was a culture of silence started in this country and this man is saying what now? What's even more worrying is that he believes he is more powerful than the entire country that empowered him and he can always have his way through every situation, that's why he's so sure that despite all these failures and day light derogatory attitude that he's giving Ghanaians, he will still succeed in making Bawumia his successor. It is up to Ghanaians to show this man that the power is from the people and for the people.