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Sign the LGBTQ bill into law – Lawrence Appiah to Akufo-Addo

The founder of Diaspora Progressive Movement – USA, Dr. Lawrence Appiah has called on President Akufo-Addo to sign the LGBTQ bill to make it a law.

A seven-member panel of the Supreme Court, led by Justice Lovelace Avril Johnson, has unanimously dismissed a petition filed by broadcast journalist and lawyer Richard Dela Sky, challenging the constitutionality of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill.

Sky had sought a declaration that the bill, which has ignited intense national debate, was null and void. However, the court rejected his petition, affirming the constitutionality of the legislative process for the proposed anti-LGBTQI legislation.

The controversial bill aims to criminalize activities associated with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI) advocacy. If passed into law, it would impose penalties on individuals promoting or funding LGBTQI-related activities, as well as those providing indirect support.

Commenting on the development, Dr. Lawrence stated “this is a final reminder to President Nana Akuffo-Addo.

“He has four days to sign the LGBTQ bill to make it a law. Also, there is a petition on his desk to remove the Chief Justice. He must sign the petition. President Nana Addo, has left so many legacies since he became the president in 2017, including leaving the presidency with 5 regions without representation in parliament from his party. I see the most important legacy he will leave with Ghanaians is the signing of the LGBTQ bill and approving the removal of the Chief Justice.

“Nana, you have just four days to leave office. Don’t disappoint us. We trusted you and we still trust you with 32.8% of our heart,” Dr. Lawrence indicated.

However, the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Rt. Rev Dr. Abraham Nana Opare Kwakye, has also called on President Akufo-Addo to assent to the anti-gay bill before the end of his administration.

Speaking at the launch of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana’s (PCG) Bicentennial Anniversary on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at the Osu Castle, Rt. Rev Dr. Opare Kwakye emphasized the significance of the bill, urging the President to solidify his legacy by approving it.

“The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, for us Presbyterians, having given the bill our support at the time when the church was led by my predecessor, we interpreted this as our birthday gift for this year.

“Your Excellency, make our joy complete, we are confident that in these last days, you will make our joy complete by assenting the bill so that it becomes a law in Ghana.

“We seek to preserve the values of the African people through the gospel. And we are confident that Sir you will do so.”