Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, the Majority Leader in Parliament, has asked Ghanaians to dispassionately discuss the LGBTQ matter without attaching emotions.
He says the issue is a matter of law and not sentiments, and discussing it dispassionately will serve the nation’s democracy well.
He made the comments whilst urging for the concerns raised on the bill to be tested in the Supreme to bring a finality to the growing concerns.
Speaking to the media in Parliament Monday, March 04, 2024, the Member of Parliament for Effutu argued that if LGBTQ activities are in contravention with the value systems of Ghana, incarcerating victims of such sexual orientation will not be the solution to ameliorating the problem.
“…meanwhile, I believe that the issues that Members of Parliament led by my good self raised ought to be tested by the Supreme Court of the land. We are a growing democracy; this is not an emotional journey, this is about laws that has to do with the citizens so the test here is whether or not a sexual right which in itself is being brought to question should lead to a criminal penalty.
“In other words, if we say that as a nation our value system do not support a man to man relationship, woman to woman relationship, are we also saying that the means of reforming people with that orientation is to incarcerate them? How does this position stand in accord with the constitution?” the MP questioned.
He also spoke about the media advocacy on the matter which he said needs to be tested since the provision’s juxtaposition with the constitution raises concerns.
“Also the issues of advocacy, saying that a media house cannot take certain steps; how do we juxtapose that within the context of the constitution? All these are matters that I believe that if they are tested in our Supreme Court, it’s going to help us to bring this matter to good rest,” he espoused.
His comments come in the heat of a statement issued by the Ministry of Finance on the possible implications of the Anti-LGBTQ Bill from Ghana’s development partners should the President assent to it.
The Ministry is urging President Akufo-Addo to hold off on signing the bill into law as it may cost the country greatly.
These risks include a potential loss of $850 million in budgetary support from the World Bank this year alone.
In the 5-page document, the Ministry explained that “for 2024 Ghana will lose US$600 million Budget support and US$250 million for the Financial Stability Fund.”
“This will negatively impact Ghana’s foreign exchange reserves and exchange rate stability as these inflows are expected to shore the country’s reserve position,” the statement added.
I am surprised no gospel artiste is ready to support the LGBTQ+ fight – Foh Amoaning
By Felix Anim-Appau with additional files from Komla Klutse
