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.
