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A key member of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko has described as “harsher” the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill passed by Ghana's parliament.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he warned about the repercussions following the recent passage and questioned if Ghana is ready for the outcome if the bill is assented to by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.   

"Ghana’s parliament, which is vested in the sovereign will of the people, has democratically passed a harsher anti-LGBTQ Bill.” 

“Yes, democratically! The threat of being unseated for standing for the rights of gays, etc, certainly created its own culture of silence in the House! But, it is the decision of Parliament and one which enjoys huge popular support in the country," he said.

Adding that, "That is democracy! Our institutions of democracy are still strong and alive. Let’s have faith in our democracy. Let’s respect the choices we make and their consequences and believe in the process.”

The bill's passage criminalizes LGBTQ+ activities, including their promotion, advocacy, and financial support. Those found guilty could face imprisonment ranging from 6 months to 3 years, with longer terms for those involved in promoting or sponsoring such acts.

But Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko argued that while respecting Ghana's culture which frowns on the LGBTQ+ Community, tolerance and diversity of individuals must equally be respected. 

Read his post below 

Ghana’s parliament, which is vested in the sovereign will of the people, has democratically passed a harsher anti-LGBTQ Bill.  

Yes, democratically! The threat of being unseated for standing for the rights of gays, etc, certainly created its own culture of silence in the House! But, it is the decision of Parliament and one which enjoys huge popular support in the country. 

The world must understand that. But, Ghanaians must also understand that it comes with consequences. Choices have consequences. 

We expect the media and the politicians to be fair to the people by letting them know the pros and cons of this decision to impose stiffer penalties against gays, etc. We also expect those who believe the bill is constitutionally wrong to do what is right and go to court.  

That is democracy! Our institutions of democracy are still strong and alive. Let’s have faith in our democracy. Let’s respect the choices we make and their consequences and believe in the process.

Ghana remains a sovereign state, with cultural norms that cannot be wished away but must be respected. I still believe, though, that we can balance our traditional family values with our traditional values of tolerance and diversity. 

That’s the Ghanaian way. The Ghanaian culture. The Ghanaian spirit. Our history. Our DNA. That is Ghanaian.