The Communications Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has called on President John Dramani Mahama to fulfill his pledge to assent the Anti-Gay Bill into law.
Richard Ahiagbah’s comments follow President Mahama’s recent suggestion that the bill which was previously sponsored by a Private Member would have been more effective if it was a government-sponsored bill.
During a meeting with catholic Bishops on Tuesday, January 14, President Mahama emphasized the need for schools to inculcate moral and cultural teachings in their curriculums to imbibe in children the Ghanaian and African values.
According to the President, a government-sponsored bill would need a broader consultation and foster national consensus.
However in a Facebook post on Thursday, January 16, Mr. Ahiagbah, accused President Mahama of backtracking on his commitment and pledge to sign the LGBTQ+ Bill—a promise he made during the 2024 general election campaign.
Mr. Ahiagbah urged the President to approve the bill in its current form, cautioning that elections come with consequences.
The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill if assented to, prescribes between three and five years imprisonment to persons found guilty of willful promotion, funding, and advocating for LGBTQ+ activities prohibited under the act.
Also, persons who publicly identify themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, an ally or pansexual face between two months and three years of imprisonment.
