Edem Senanu, a leading member of the National Coalition for Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values, has expressed concern over perceived delays and shifting narratives surrounding the passage of the anti-LGBTQ bill.
His remarks follow President John Dramani Mahama’s recent meeting with the clergy, where the President indicated a preference for promoting family values through education and dialogue.
President Mahama emphasized the importance of instilling these values in the younger generation as a more inclusive and sustainable approach to upholding traditional norms.
Ghana in February 2024 joined a growing list of African countries opting to take a strong stance on LGBTQ activities as its legislative body passed the Human Sexual Rights and family values bill.
The proposed law had been heavily criticized while equally receiving significant endorsement from various interest groups.
Mr. Senanu pointed out during an interview on Joy News that Parliament unanimously passed the bill on February 28, 2024, and sent it to the Presidency for assent, however, he alleged that the President refused to receive it, creating what he described as a “technical lacuna.”
He challenged President Mahama’s claim that the bill “died with Parliament,” arguing that this interpretation undermines constitutional processes and could set a problematic precedent for future administrations.
“The President’s statement that the bill died with Parliament is inaccurate. Parliament completed its work, and it was the President’s responsibility to either assent to it, identify corrections, or refer it to the Council of State,” Mr. Senanu stated, calling for the technical issues surrounding the bill to be addressed to ensure clarity and accountability.
Edem Senanu also emphasized that over 93% of Ghanaians support the bill and warned against any attempts to shift the narrative or delay its passage further.
He expressed concern about comments suggesting the bill lacked exhaustive support or needed to be government-pushed, arguing that these statements could indicate a change in the President’s stance now that he is in power.
Reflecting on the bill’s extensive consultation process, which included input from over 176 public members, engagements with international groups, and over 100 amendments, Mr. Senanu described it as one of the most thorough legislative processes in Ghana’s history.
He urged the President John Dramani Mahama to honor his earlier commitment to assent to the bill, noting that he had publicly reiterated this promise at least five times.
Regarding the way forward, Senanu outlined two potential approaches: either the President could address any outstanding technicalities and assent to the bill, or the legislative process could restart in the new Parliament.
Expressing optimism that an expedited process could see the bill passed within a year if it returns to Parliament, he concluded by reaffirming the coalition’s commitment to ensuring the bill’s passage, emphasizing its importance to the “peace-loving, culturally proud, and faith-sensitive people of Ghana.”
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Source: Comfort Sweety Hayford/ATLFMNEWS
