Professor Charles Ofori Marfo, the former President of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), has weighed in on the Anti-LGBTQI Bill saga.
On February 28, 2024, the Parliament of Ghana passed the Anti-LGBTQI Bill, which includes provisions for a prison sentence of up to three years for individuals engaging in same-sex conduct, and up to five years for those involved in the promotion, sponsorship, or support of LGBTQ+ activities.
Despite pressure from various religious organizations and many Ghanaians who oppose LGBTQI activities, President Akufo-Addo has not yet assented to the bill.
Flagbearer of the NPP, Dr Bawumia has emphatically stated that his religion is against LGBTQI.
Opposition leader John Mahama has also expressed his intention to sign the Anti-LGBTQI Bill should he come into power. However, Professor Charles Marfo holds a different perspective, stating that no Ghanaian president would have the courage to sign such a bill.
During an interview on Oyerepa Breakfast Time on Friday, April 12, 2024, Professor Marfo explained that leaders like Akufo-Addo, Bawumia, and Mahama would likely face significant global restrictions if they were to approve the legislation.
“President Akufo-Addo is in a very tight position to consider the bill by signing it. And this applies to any of them. From Bawumia to whoever wins the 2024 elections. Any of them, Bawumia or Mahama can’t sign it. Because we don’t live in an island, we live in a globalised world and any decision that you make as president, you must consider a lot of issues.”
He added; “If the bill is signed, the country will face a lot of economic hardship but I don’t believe any of them is ready to take the country through that hardship.”
Professor Charles Marfo stated that neither John Mahama nor Dr. Bawumia would have the courage to sign the Anti-LGBTQI bill, despite their public support for it. He believes that the bill’s passage would lead to international pressure and economic challenges that would force any future president of Ghana to reject it.
“I can’t foresee any one of them (Presidents) being bold enough to sign the Anti-LGBTQI bill. Except the economic dimension changes to the extent that, we can be independent but so far there are no indications that suggest Ghana can be independent.” He said.
Source: Oyerepafmonline.com/Joseph Marfo
