Dr. Abraham Nana Opare Kwakyen, the Presbyterian Church of Ghana’s Moderator, has urged President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to sign the anti-gay bill before the conclusion of his term.
Speaking on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at the Presbyterian Church of Ghana’s (PCG) Bicentennial Anniversary launch at the Osu Castle, Dr. Kwakye underlined the importance of the law and urged the President to approve it in order to cement his legacy.
“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.”
Dr. Kwakye’s comments come after two petitions contesting the constitutionality of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill—also known as the anti-gay bill—were unanimously dismissed by the Supreme Court.
Separate challenges from television journalist and attorney Richard Dela Sky and attorney Amanda Odoi were dismissed by the Court on December 18.
The measure has generated national discussion since it was approved by Parliament on February 28, 2024. Critics say it violates human rights, while supporters say it upholds traditional family values.
President Akufo-Addo had previously declared that he was awaiting resolutions to all outstanding legal concerns, thus even if the Court dismissed the petitions, the bill’s future is still uncertain.
