The Waala Youth Chiefs of Greater Accra have threatened to organize protests and campaigns against President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for his refusal to receive and sign into law the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill 2024, dubbed the anti-LGBTQ+ bill.
The Chiefs made a clarion call to the public for action, urging Ghanaians to mobilize support for the bill and make their voices heard in the fight to protect the country’s human rights and sexual values.
They rallied citizens to support the Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, in his push for presidential assent of the bill.
At a press conference held at the International Press Center in Accra on Tuesday, March 26th, 2024, Awudu Ishaq, the Waala Youth Chief of New Fadama who spoke on behalf of the Chiefs, expressed deep concerns over the impasse between the Speaker and the President regarding the bill that seeks to criminalize LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana.
“The bill, having received unanimous support in Parliament, reflects the will of the Ghanaian people to uphold our cherished human rights and family values.”
“Yet, it sits unsigned by the President, in a move that not only disregards the legislative process but also undermines our constitutional democracy,” Ishaq stated.
The bill, passed unanimously by Parliament on February 28th, 2024, awaits the assent of President Nana Akufo-Addo, which would make it law.
However, tensions have escalated as the President has yet to act on the bill. His Office has cited legal advice from the Attorney-General regarding a pending suit for an interlocutory injunction as the cause of delay.
Meanwhile, Secretary to the President has also written a caution letter to the Clerk of Parliament to stop all attempts to transmit the Bill to the President for his assent until the Supreme Court has first dealt with cases on the matter.
The Waala Youth Chiefs accused the President of demonstrating ‘bad faith’ regarding the bill, underscoring an alleged attempt by one of the President’s supporters to file a legal challenge against the bill even before it becomes law.
Ishaq said, “Such actions not only disrespect the legislative authority but also betray a lack of commitment to protect the core values of our nation.”
The Youth Chiefs commended Speaker Alban Bagbin for his steadfast leadership in steering the bill through Parliament despite significant opposition and legal challenges.
Chief Mahamuda Hamidu, the Greater Accra Waala Youth Chief, in his address, called on the Ghanaian public, as well as religious and civil society organizations, to stand behind the Speaker and pressure the President to sign the bill into law.
“Speaker Bagbin’s unwavering support for the bill signifies a bold stance against external pressures and a commitment to preserving our nation’s moral fabric,” he stated.
“It’s time for us, as a people, to rally behind him and demand action from the President.”
The fate of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill 2024 hangs in the current balance as the standoff between Parliament and the Presidency continues.
This has drawn international attention to Ghana’s ongoing debate over LGBTQI rights and the country’s broader implications for human rights.