Ghana is a sovereign nation, and we have the right, by law, to determine what we believe is right without succumbing to foreign directives or being coerced due to loans and donor support.
The ongoing debate and public outcry regarding the passage of the LGBTQ+ Bill in parliament have nothing to do with making our sovereign decisions conditional on international support. Such claims are unfounded and portray our country as one without identity and cultural values.
Moving forward, yielding to external pressures would undermine the purpose of celebrating our heritage month as a country, defining who we are, and determining what we believe is right for us as a nation.
Dr. Richard Fiadomor, the President of the Chamber for Local Governance (ChALoG), expressed these views on the Adekyee Mu Nsem morning show on Ahotor 92.3 FM, hosted by Citizen Kofi Owusu in Accra.
He believes that our constitutional bodies, such as the Supreme Court, are in place to offer further interpretation of the bill passed in parliament, pending approval from the president. No laws have been broken, and those who feel their rights have been violated can test the law in court.
International institutions like the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and the United States of America donors should respect the sovereign laws of the country. If they have concerns, they can seek redress and interpretation through legal means.
In his opinion, nothing should prevent the president from approving the bill. The outcry from civil society organizations and individuals who disagree with some aspects of the bill is much ado about nothing.
In another development, Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, a prominent member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and former Executive Director of the Danquah Institute (DI), has warned that the passage of the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill will have consequences.
On February 28, 2024, Parliament passed the bill outlawing LGBTQ+ activities, including promotion, advocacy, and funding. Individuals found guilty could face imprisonment ranging from 6 months to 3 years, while those promoting and sponsoring the act could face a prison term of 3 to 5 years.
In a statement posted on social media, Mr. Otchere-Darko expressed his concerns about the enactment of what he termed a “harsher anti-LGBTQ Bill” and highlighted the possible implications.
He called for education from the media and politicians to inform citizens about the advantages and disadvantages of the bill if it becomes law.
Dr. Richard Fiadomor, the President of the Chamber for Local Governance (ChALoG), stated that although the financial position of the country is dire, it resulted from mismanagement by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government. This should not give development partners the authority to blackmail us with LGBTQ+ cultural practices foreign to our way of life and cultural values. Ghana is a sovereign nation, and we will not allow it to happen.
AYM Kukah
E-mail: kukahalexander7@gmail.com
