The Member of Parliament for Anyaa Sowutuom, Dickson Adomako Kissi, has criticized the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, for his recent pronouncement on the acceptance of LGBTQI+ activities in Ghana.
According to the MP, Alban Bagbin can have his views on LGBTQI+ but his public utterance on it should be guided because of the position he holds.
Mr Adomako Kissi added that the speaker's utterance if care is not taken, will jeopardize the government's revenue mobilizing efforts.
Speaking in a GTV interview, Adomako Kissi expressed his concerns about the issue of LGBTQI+ becoming more of a “turf war” that might seriously affect Ghana's economy if care is not taken.
He stated, “I worry because of the economic ties associated with either being for it (LGBT) or not and that is where I think that from a political-economic standpoint, we need to be very careful how to approach this.”
Adomako Kissi urged Bagbin to be mindful that when he goes out of the country and talks on behalf of Ghana, it is no longer an individual talking but that position he holds.
He urged the Speaker to “carry out the same conversation with different wording.” Adomako Kissi stressed that Bagbin's oration could shut down a lot of possible funding and that he should be mindful of the economic nature or association with this new demand.
Background:
Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, during his recent trip to the UK, said that Africa is not deterred by the veiled threats of withdrawal of investments and international aid and other stringent economic measures that have attended the continent's effort at protecting its culture, values, and societal norms and to safeguard the future of its youth.
Speaking at a meeting with the members of the British House of Lords and the House of Commons at Westminster in London, Bagbin said: “Threats are not the way to go. If your neighbour or partner has a problem, you help him to solve it. Boycotts and threats do not solve problems: engagement and understanding do”.
Bagbin also stated that there is nothing wrong with the anti-LGBTQI+ bill the Parliament of Ghana is considering. He added that Ghana needs laws on LGBTQI+ activities and parliament will ensure that these laws are enacted.
He said, “There is nothing untoward; nothing wrong with the efforts by Ghana's Parliament to legislate on the promotion of human sexual rights and family values in Ghana, using our constitution as a compass.”