The Executive Secretary for the National Coalition for Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, Moses Foh-Amoaning says President Akufo-Addo will assent to the recently passed anti-LGBTQ+ legislation.
Citing the President's astute political acumen, he said Mr Akufo-Addo is unlikely to take any action that might undermine his party, the New Patriotic Party (NPP), in the forthcoming December elections.
Mr Foh-Amoaning underscores the potential political fallout if President Akufo-Addo fails to sign the bill, warning of possible gains for the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2024 general elections.
The passage of the bill has sparked criticism from various quarters, including the US Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Evelyn Palmer, and Professor Audrey Gadzekpo, Board Chair of the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana).
Professor Gadzekpo, speaking at a press conference advocated for human rights and the rights of sexual minorities in Ghana and argued that the bill violates fundamental human rights enshrined in the Constitution.
Despite the opposition, Mr Foh-Amoaning speaking in an interview with Accra-based 3FM remained optimistic about Akufo-Addo's support for the bill.
“Well, the President is a very smart politician and what I’ve told everybody who asked me this question is, first of all, there’s no President who has ascended the presidency of Ghana who has used the word of God more than this President. So, the point I’m trying to make is, with all that I know about the President, I know he will sign this bill.
“If he refuses to sign, it would be very easy for the NDC, [they] will just package the NPP as Trumu Trumu party,” he said.
On February 28, 2024, Parliament approved a bill criminalizing LGBTQ activities and prohibiting their promotion, advocacy, and funding.
Under the legislation, individuals convicted of such acts could be sentenced to 6 months to 3 years in prison, while those promoting or sponsoring such activities could face 3 to 5 years behind bars.
The bill's passage has sparked criticism from various stakeholders, including Virginia Evelyn Palmer, the Ambassador of the United States to Ghana.
Latest Stories
-
UKGCC Grand Challenge Programme highlights innovation in Ghana’s agricultural, energy sectors
13 seconds -
Three sent off as Munoz gives Palace win over Brighton
6 minutes -
Everton hold Arsenal to 1-1 draw
9 minutes -
Eddie Nartey, Amanda Jissih, others star in Lloyd Aboagye’s Prampram-filmed ‘Kone’
11 minutes -
‘We’re listening’ – BoG assures traders of stability amid high interest rates
16 minutes -
BoG meets GUTA: Traders push back on interest rates as central bank defends inflation fight
23 minutes -
Video footage appears to contradict Israeli account of Gaza medic killings
1 hour -
Goldbod won’t be a player and referee; there’s no conflict of interest – PMMC Boss assures
2 hours -
Kwakye Ofosu and Ntim Fordjour clash on social media over flight claims after Newsfile
2 hours -
Unilever Ghana launches affordable ‘Comfort’ sachet fabric conditioner
3 hours -
“Ghana is not just an anarchic state, it’s a vampire state”- Prof Aning on missing ECG containers
3 hours -
Goldbod must focus on how to ensure compliance – Dr Stephen Ackah
4 hours -
Sammy Gyamfi calls for urgent investigation into missing containers, commends Energy Minister for transparency
4 hours -
‘This is a clear organised crime’ – Victoria Bright on missing ECG containers
4 hours -
Presidency gagging relevant institutions from probing aircraft case suggests cover-up – Ntim Forjour claims
5 hours