The Member of Parliament (MP) for Ningo-Prampram, Sam Nartey George, has responded to critics, including Prof Takyiwaa Manuh and Prof Audrey Gadzekpo, who oppose the Promotion of Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill (anti-gay bill). Speaking on Adom FM, Sam George, one of the sponsors of the bill, dismissed their arguments and claimed that the opposition is financially motivated.
George questioned the logic behind opposing the bill, asserting that if the provisions are already covered by existing laws, opponents should have challenged those laws in court. He went on to allege that figures like Prof Audrey Gadzekpo, Prof Takyiwaa Manuh, and others are being funded by pro-LGBTQ+ groups to advocate against the bill.
“Do you realise the lack of intelligence and lack of logic in that argument? If all of the portions of the bill are in already existing laws, which is a fact, why are the same people running around now saying that the act must be killed because it infringes on human rights?” George stated, adding, “They are taking money to do this. I'm putting it on record, that they are all being funded by pro-LGBTQ groups. They are taking money to do the advocacy that they are doing.”
The Promotion of Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, known as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, was passed by the Parliament of Ghana on February 28, 2024. The bill awaits presidential assent, and if refused, parliament can approve it into law with a 2/3 majority vote. Opponents argue that existing laws already address the issues targeted by the bill and that it is unnecessary. Prof Audrey Gadzekpo accused Sam George of pursuing the bill for political gain.
“I am telling you that they have passed it not for any reason but for political reasons. Mr. Sam George, the chief proponent of the bill, in 2015, when his candidate John Mahama was accused of having a friend who was a homosexual sponsoring him, Sam George is on record saying that the constitution protects those rights,” Gadzekpo asserted. The bill criminalizes LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana, imposing penalties for individuals and promoters of such activities.