Accra: A leading member of the United Party (UP), Solomon Owusu, has urged political leaders to act decisively and stop what he describes as unnecessary delays and 'pretence' surrounding Ghana's controversial Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill. Speaking on Joy Prime, Owusu weighed in on the ongoing national debate, arguing that the issue has been overcomplicated despite what he believes is clear public support for the legislation.
According to Ghana Web, Owusu expressed frustration with what he termed as rationalisation in governance, insisting that the previous administration had no justification for failing to assent to the bill after extensive stakeholder consultations. He criticized former President Akufo-Addo for not signing the bill and emphasized that Parliament had already engaged in significant consultations, including international ones, during the bill's earlier stages.
Owusu questioned the current process's revisiting of previously addressed steps, stating that the legal framework has remained unchanged. He addressed concerns about human rights implications, challenging whether those advocating for LGBTQ+ protections truly represent Ghanaian interests. He dismissed the influence of international advocacy groups, such as Amnesty International, arguing that their efforts should not interfere with Ghana's legislative process.
He maintained that the majority of Ghanaians support the bill and called for decisive leadership once the bill reaches President Mahama. Owusu expressed disapproval of ongoing discussions and reviews, describing them as unnecessary and wasteful. He urged for urgency in resolving the issue, warning against continued inaction and calling for the matter to be resolved within the year.