By Ashiadey Dotse
The Communications Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr. Richard Ahiagbah, has called on President John Dramani Mahama to honor his campaign promise by signing the Anti-Gay Bill into law.
Mr. Ahiagbah’s statement came after President Mahama suggested that a government-sponsored bill might be more effective than the current Private Member’s Bill. The President explained that this approach would allow for broader discussions and help build a national consensus.
During a meeting with the Bishops on Tuesday, January 14, President Mahama also stressed the importance of revising school curriculums to include teachings that promote Ghanaian and African moral and cultural values among children.
However, in a Facebook post on Thursday, January 16, Mr. Ahiagbah accused President Mahama of failing to keep his promise to approve the bill. He urged the President to sign the bill in its current form without delay.
“H.E. John Mahama is running away from signing the LGBTQ+ Bill after promising to do so in its current form. Elections have consequences, and H.E. Mahama must not shift the goalpost. Sign the bill as you have pledged to Ghanaians,” Mr. Ahiagbah wrote.
The Anti-Gay bill seeks to criminalise activities related to LGBTQI advocacy, imposing penalties on individuals who promote, fund, or indirectly support LGBTQI activities.
Supporters of the bill argue that it is essential to protect Ghanaian cultural and family values, which they claim are being threatened by foreign influences. However, critics, including human rights groups, oppose the bill, saying it violates basic human rights such as freedom of expression, association, and equality.
