Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram, Samuel Nartey George, has asserted that Ghana can navigate international pressure resulting from the passage of the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill through effective leadership positioning.
The legislator emphasized that the country cannot be held hostage and underscores that MPs are fulfilling their duty by enacting laws aligned with the people’s aspirations.
He was firm in his resolve that Ghana must pass the bill.
“There are all kinds of allegations that it will impose international pressure on us. And I keep saying that it comes back to how the country positions itself. Nigeria in 2015, eight years ago, passed a law against same-sex marriages similar to what we are doing in 2015. Nigeria didn’t get any sanctions because the Nigerian government made it clear that they would reciprocate any action that was taken against them.
“But I understand the international pressure bit but it all boils down to the kind of leadership and how leadership positions itself. The last point I will make on this is that why should anybody think that we, as Ghanaian legislators, who have been elected and paid to pass laws to reflect what our society wants [are wrong]? ”
Samuel Nartey George
He cited some superpower countries and how they may equally be abusing human rights if that is anything to go by.
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“They say it is human rights. In the UK, House of Commons, did they not just pass legislation on migration which many human rights people view as an infringement on the human rights of asylum seekers? Did they not as members of parliament in the UK of Commons pass that legislation to say that asylum seekers must be brought to Rwanda?
Sam George Nartey
“Did you see African MPs or African governments rising against them? That legislation after it was passed in parliament was taken to court. The court in the UK ad ruled that this legislation is a violation of human rights. Still, the UK government said it would proceed with that legislation. ”
Samuel Nartey George
Additionally, he emphasized that in the United States, the government is advocating for the construction of a wall and allocating funds for this purpose to deter migrants from entering their country. He questioned why no one criticized U.S. and U.K. parliamentarians or accused them of wrongdoing.
“So why, when Ghanaian MPs are simply doing our job as MPs, does someone else want to dictate what is right or wrong?” he queried.
Ghana’s Law For Ghanaian People
Samuel Nartey George urged the country to take control of its destiny, citing the example of Nigerians, and pass the bill, expressing confidence that the world will eventually align. He also noted that the Speaker’s integrity is on the line following his commitment to traditional leaders and the clergy to pass the bill this year.
He added that he was at a loss because the same people professing support were the same people when the speaker opportunity the last time that those who were against it should speak; the same people will say they were in support of it, once the speaker is not there, turn into some kind of gymnastics.
Chamber-Parliament House, Ghana
In addition, the MP narrated that, the bill, subject to various discussions and amendments, underwent a meticulous review process that involved the Attorney General’s significant input. This thorough examination resulted in the resolution of approximately 98% even ahead of the challenges raised by the Attorney General.
The public disclosure of the Attorney General’s concerns in October 2022 allowed for transparency in addressing the issues. During the subsequent meeting, held on the sixth floor of Job 600, the Chairman of the committee consistently affirmed that the committee had effectively addressed concerns raised, which were affirmed by the Attorney General.
Thus, Sam George could not fathom why there would be any further delay in passing the bill.
