A Kumasi-based group of New Patriotic Party (NPP) youth is calling upon religious bodies and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to challenge what they describe as “double standards” from President John Mahama regarding LGBTQ+ legislation.
Allegations of Inconsistency:
Dr Keskine Owusu Poku addressing the media Wednesday afternoon. On his right is Lawyer Kingsley Nana Bonsu Kyeretwie, aspiring Deputy Ashanti Regional Secretary.
Addressing the media on Wednesday afternoon, Dr. Keskine Owusu Poku, an aspirant for the Ashanti Regional Communications Director position, characterized the President’s recent shift in stance as an “insult” to the Ghanaian electorate.
Dr. Poku expressed shock that the President, who campaigned heavily on the promise of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation during the 2024 election cycle, now suggests the issue is no longer a national priority.
“It is both intriguing and startling,” Dr. Poku stated.
He added that “After campaigning for the passage of legislation to outlaw LGBTQ+ practices in this country, President John Mahama is now telling Ghanaians that the matter is not a priority for his government.”
Charge To Public Institutions:
Dr. Poku urged institutions of public conscience specifically religious organizations and CSOs to intervene.
He warned that silence from these influential bodies would undermine the ability of the public to hold duty bearers accountable for their campaign promises.
While the group criticized the administration’s current posture, Dr. Poku commended the Catholic Bishops Conference for its persistence in demanding the government fulfill its legislative commitments.
The group specifically called upon the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC), the various Muslim Missions, prominent Civil Society Organisations and others to lead the charge on President Mahama.
Dr. Poku urged these groups to “hold the government’s feet to the fire” and ensure the promised legislation is passed to curb “abhorrent tendencies.”
Constitutional and Legal Mandates:
Lawyer Kingsley Nana Bonsu Kyeretwie, Vice Chairperson of the Manhyia South NPP and an aspiring Deputy Ashanti Regional Secretary provided a legal perspective on the controversy.
He argued that the President is constitutionally bound to protect the nation’s social fabric.
Under the Directive Principles of State Policy in the 1992 Constitution, Kyeretwie noted that the government is mandated to safeguard the cultural and customary values of the Ghanaian people.
“Under Chapter Six of the 1992 Constitution, the government is enjoined to protect the cultural values of Ghanaians and enact laws that shield the citizenry from policies contrary to our heritage,” Lawyer Kyeretwie stressed.
He added that, “President Mahama has no excuse; he must fulfill the promise he made during the 2024 campaign to use his parliamentary majority to pass this law.”
Story By Michael Ofosu-Afriyie, Kumasi
