Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Nana Opare Kwakye, has appealed to outgoing President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to sign the anti-gay bill into law before the end of his tenure.
He made this appeal during the launch of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana’s Bicentennial Anniversary on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at the Osu Castle.
Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Nana Opare Kwakye stressed the importance of the legislation, encouraging the President to cement his legacy by approving it.
Dr. Kwakye’s appeal comes after the Supreme Court unanimously dismissed two petitions challenging the constitutionality of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, widely known as the anti-gay bill.
“The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, for us Presbyterians, having given the bill our support at the time when the church was led by my predecessor, we interpreted this as our birthday gift for this year. Your Excellency, make our joy complete, we are confident that in these last days, you will make our joy complete by assenting the bill so that it becomes a law in Ghana”, he said.
On December 18, the Court rejected separate challenges filed by broadcast journalist and lawyer Richard Dela Sky and Amanda Odoi.
The bill, which was passed by Parliament on February 28, 2024, has sparked nationwide debate. Supporters argue that it safeguards traditional family values, while opponents contend it violates human rights.
Despite the Supreme Court’s dismissal of the petitions, the bill’s fate remains uncertain as President Akufo-Addo previously stated he was waiting for all legal issues to be resolved before taking action.
