Deputy Minister-designate for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, James Gyakye Quayson, has firmly declared his opposition to LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana, pledging not to support any related policies or advocacy.
His comments come at a time when Parliament prepares to revisit the controversial Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly referred to as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill.
The proposed legislation seeks to criminalize same-sex relationships as well as the promotion, funding, and advocacy of LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana.
Appearing before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Friday, July 25, the Assin North MP emphasized his stance, asserting that his values are against that.
“As a true African, I’m not in support of LGBTQ,” he stated. “I was in Canada when LGBTQ was liberalised, but I was one of the people who campaigned against it. So I will never be in support of it.”
The bill, originally passed by the Eighth Parliament, lapsed after former President Nana Akufo-Addo refused to sign it into law before leaving office in January 2025, citing legal challenges.
As a result, it must now go through the full legislative process again.
In March 2025, a group of MPs reintroduced the bill as a private member’s proposal. The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin, announced that it would receive its first reading during the current sitting of the Ninth Parliament.
If passed in its current form, the bill would impose a prison sentence of up to three years for individuals identifying as LGBTQ+, and between five and ten years for those who promote or support related activities.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
