The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has reiterated his determination to ensure the passage of the LGBTQ+ bill, which was passed by Parliament but not assented to by former President Nana Akufo-Addo.
Addressing members of the Ghanaian community in Côte d’Ivoire on January 21, 2025, Speaker Bagbin strongly criticized same-sex relationships, declaring that he would rather lose his life than accept such practices.
The bill, which criminalizes same-sex relationships, successfully went through Parliament but was not signed into law by the former president.
During his address, Speaker Bagbin highlighted the constitutional framework, emphasizing that the president does not have the authority to withhold assent to a bill passed by Parliament.
“Parliament is the authority on passing laws, not any other person, not the president,” Bagbin stated. “He was wrong, and all of you together punished him for that.”
Speaking passionately, Bagbin expressed his unwavering stance on the matter.
“Nobody should joke with me when it comes to that area. I can lose my life because of that. It is better not to live than to live in a society where man to man, woman to woman—what is that?” he declared.
Speaker Bagbin assured the audience that he would engage the new Attorney General and Minister for Justice to review the bill and prepare it for submission to the new president for assent.
“I’m determined to see this through quickly, hoping for passage this year,” Bagbin said. “To me, it’s a matter of upholding moral principles, and I’m willing to take a strong stance, even if it comes at great personal cost.”
Expressing optimism, Bagbin reaffirmed his belief that the bill would be passed this year, underlining his commitment to upholding what he described as moral and societal values.
The Speaker’s remarks come at a time when the debate over LGBTQ+ rights continues to generate intense discussions both locally and globally. His strong comments reflect the gravity of the issue in Ghana’s legislative and social discourse.
