Why is Akufo-Addo hiding from the anti-LGBT+ Bill? - Ola Michael asks

Radio broadcaster and filmmaker Ola Michael has questioned President Nana Akufo-Addo over his silence on the anti-LGBT+ bill currently awaiting his signature.

Speaking on Neat FM, Michael expressed frustration over the president's inaction.

"Why is Akufo-Addo not speaking up on LGBT in Ghana? Why hasn’t he signed the anti-LGBT+ bill? What is stopping him from signing the bill?" Michael asked.

He cited the swift passage of the controversial E-Levy Bill despite significant opposition and wondered why the same is not being done for a bill that has the backing of Ghanaians.

“When they wanted to sign the E-Levy, they didn't allow anything to stop them. There was fighting in parliament yet the next day they still signed it. So why can’t the anti-LGBT bill be signed?” he questioned.

Michael also criticised religious bodies in Ghana for their perceived silence on the issue. He pointed out that religious groups in the US resisted pro-LGBT legislation and supported Donald Trump, yet similar action is not seen in Ghana.

“What about the religious bodies in Ghana? What are they doing? When they were about to pass a pro-LGBT bill in the US, the religious bodies resisted and the bill was signed anyway. So they put their power behind Trump. But why are the religious bodies in Ghana silent?” he asked.

Ola Michael reiterated his question, wondering why the president seems to be “hiding” from the bill.

"What is the president afraid of? Why is he hiding from the bill? Why is he refusing to sign the bill? I don’t understand," he said.

The Anti-LGBT+ Bill

The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, known as the anti-LGBT+ bill, was introduced in August 2021 and approved by Parliament in February 2024.

The bill awaits President Nana Akufo-Addo's signature to become law. It proposes severe penalties for LGBT+ activities, including imprisonment for same-sex intercourse and promoting LGBT+ content.

The bill has strong support from religious and traditional leaders but faces opposition from human rights activists who argue it violates fundamental rights.

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