A key member of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko has described as “harsher” the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill passed by Ghana's parliament.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he warned about the repercussions following the recent passage and questioned if Ghana is ready for the outcome if the bill is assented to by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
"Ghana’s parliament, which is vested in the sovereign will of the people, has democratically passed a harsher anti-LGBTQ Bill.”
“Yes, democratically! The threat of being unseated for standing for the rights of gays, etc, certainly created its own culture of silence in the House! But, it is the decision of Parliament and one which enjoys huge popular support in the country," he said.
Adding that, "That is democracy! Our institutions of democracy are still strong and alive. Let’s have faith in our democracy. Let’s respect the choices we make and their consequences and believe in the process.”
The bill's passage criminalizes LGBTQ+ activities, including their promotion, advocacy, and financial support. Those found guilty could face imprisonment ranging from 6 months to 3 years, with longer terms for those involved in promoting or sponsoring such acts.
But Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko argued that while respecting Ghana's culture which frowns on the LGBTQ+ Community, tolerance and diversity of individuals must equally be respected.
Read his post below
Ghana’s parliament, which is vested in the sovereign will of the people, has democratically passed a harsher anti-LGBTQ Bill.
Yes, democratically! The threat of being unseated for standing for the rights of gays, etc, certainly created its own culture of silence in the House! But, it is the decision of Parliament and one which enjoys huge popular support in the country.
The world must understand that. But, Ghanaians must also understand that it comes with consequences. Choices have consequences.
We expect the media and the politicians to be fair to the people by letting them know the pros and cons of this decision to impose stiffer penalties against gays, etc. We also expect those who believe the bill is constitutionally wrong to do what is right and go to court.
That is democracy! Our institutions of democracy are still strong and alive. Let’s have faith in our democracy. Let’s respect the choices we make and their consequences and believe in the process.
Ghana remains a sovereign state, with cultural norms that cannot be wished away but must be respected. I still believe, though, that we can balance our traditional family values with our traditional values of tolerance and diversity.
That’s the Ghanaian way. The Ghanaian culture. The Ghanaian spirit. Our history. Our DNA. That is Ghanaian.
Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman Addo/peacefmonline.com
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Gabby is always the subtle announcer of impending bombshells from Prez Akufo Addo's side. Forget guys, the man who said these abominable acts are bound to happen will not sign this bill.
Criminals who led this country to doom (IMF). If not for corruption and recklessness will Ghana be begging for money that is not free? Get off
I don't understand why the ECG prepaid meters beep only after the credit is finished. They have to start beeping when there is 10 Ghana cedis left on them. Sometime back, we could get some temporary electricity, after the lights out, by pressing a button on the meter, but this is no longer the case. ECG can do better. Privatisation is not the answer to the problems of ECG. Privatization will only reduce the GDP of the Republic of Ghana.
Gabby is noted for walking on opposite side of the road. He is Gay too just masking it with marriage so people will not see. He is gay proper proper. So own up Gabby and stop pushing for this ***barred word*** in our country. Go and practice your ***barred word*** somewhere else. It will not happen in Ghana. We are ready for the repercussions from the west. Have they tried that with the Arab's or Chinese . They cannot because it will be fire.