TEMA, Ghana, 25th April: The Secretary-General of the Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL), Abraham Koomson, has expressed concern over what he describes as mounting pressure from the Minority in Parliament on government to assent to the proposed anti-LGBTQ bill.
According to Mr. Koomson, while the issue remains sensitive within Ghanaian society, the push to fast-track the bill should not overshadow more pressing national challenges.
He noted that, in his view, the matter does not require urgent attention compared to the country’s current economic difficulties.
His comments follow calls by the Minority members on Parliament’s Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee, who earlier this week demanded that the bill be passed under a certificate of urgency when Parliament reconvenes in May, to accelerate its implementation.
Speaking on Ahotor FM’s Yepe Ahunu programme on Saturday, April 25, Mr. Koomson acknowledged that some groups support the bill due to religious convictions, including fears of divine consequences.
However, he argued that Ghana’s situation differs from biblical narratives often cited in the debate, stressing that the country’s cultural context should be considered carefully.
He further claimed that LGBTQ practices are widely perceived by many as foreign to Ghanaian tradition, and warned against allowing the issue to dominate the national agenda at a time when citizens are grappling with economic hardship, including rising living costs and unemployment.
“We have serious issues such as hunger and an unstable economy. These are the matters government should prioritise,” he stated, urging political actors to moderate their approach.
Mr. Koomson also expressed confidence in President John Dramani Mahama, stating that the President would take the appropriate decision once Parliament completes its work on the bill and formally presents it for assent.
He advised the Minority caucus to redirect its efforts towards the legislative process rather than placing excessive pressure on the Executive, noting that Parliament has yet to conclude deliberations on the bill.
Mr. Koomson further criticised the opposition for what he described as inconsistency, arguing that they were unable to secure presidential assent for the bill while in power, yet are now intensifying pressure on the current administration.
LISTEN TO ABRAHAM KOOMSON IN THE AUDIO BELOW 👇:
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh (#RomeoWrites✍️) / Ahotor online.com | Ghana 🇬🇭