LGBTQ+ Bill: NDC will just package NPP as ‘Trumu Trumu’ party if Akufo-Addo refuses to sign- Foh-Amoaning

According to Lawyer Foh-Anoaning, he believes the president, considering how smart a person he is, will append his signature to the bill for it to become a law.

On February 28, 2024, Parliament passed the bill which outlaws LGBTQ activities and criminalizes its promotion, advocacy, and funding.

Individuals found guilty would face a jail term of 6 months to 3 years, while promoters and sponsors of the act could face a 3 to 5 year jail term.

The passage of the Bill has drawn criticism from some stakeholders, including the Ambassador of the United States to Ghana, Virginia Evelyn Palmer.

Regarding the potential response of President Nana Akufo-Addo to the bill, Foh-Amoaning expressed confidence in the President’s alignment with Ghanaian values and emphasized the political implications of any decision he will take.

Lawyer Foh-Amoaning added that the passage of the bill is not to criminalize individuals, but to provide care, treatment, and support for those grappling with gender identity and sexual orientation challenges.

He said, “the focus of the Coalition is not to criminalize or dump people in prisons…those people who get caught in these challenges, we were very clear in our mind that what they needed was care treatment and support, and it’s in the bill.”

Responding to critics of the bill such as the Chairperson for the Centre for Democratic Development, Prof. Audrey Gadzekpo, and the evolution of perspectives within Ghanaian society, particularly mentioning Member of Parliament Sam George, Foh-Amoaning stressed the importance of education and understanding in shaping viewpoints.

Speaking on 3FM’s Sunrise with Jonny Hughes, monitored by Peacefmonline.com, Foh-Amoaning explained, “Sam himself has been educated by relating with us. He has understood how false this whole human rights argument is, and when I listen to Audrey, she’s only talking standard LGBT template arguments. So, Sam probably then was not educated and he tells me that is the thing that pushed him and made him realize this is serious.”

Mr. Foh-Amoaning addressed the political dimension of their advocacy, citing constitutional principles and the promotion of Ghanaian values as the foundation of their work.

He emphasized, “if you say we’re political you are right because that’s what we are engaged in, we want to ensure that the people of this country are protected and that’s what the Constitution says.”

Foh-Amoaning further underscored the potential political implications if the President fails to sign the Bill, warning that the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) could gain political advantage in the 2024 general elections.

“Well, the President is a very smart politician and what I’ve told everybody who’s asked me this question is, first of all there’s no President who has ascended the presidency of Ghana who has used the word of God more than this President. So, the point I’m trying to make is, with all that I know about the President, I know he will sign this bill,” he asserted.

He warned of significant consequences for the ruling party should the President choose not to sign the bill, predicting electoral repercussions and potential loss of support.

“If he refuses to sign, it would be very easy the NDC will just package the NPP as ‘Trumu Trumu’ party”.

Mr Foh-Amoaning reiterated the Coalition’s commitment to promoting Ghanaian family values and protecting the interests of the nation.