What Ghana’s presidents have all said about the LGBTQ+ subject
Jerry John Rawlings and John Evans Atta Mills may no longer be alive but their words on many subjects including this growing, resurfaced subject of the rights or otherwise of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Intersex Rights (LGBTQ+) sexual orientation are there to refer to. In the case of the late former President Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings, while there is no definite public reference to what he said on the subject, all other presidents within the Fourth Republic of Ghana have had a thing or two to say. Recently, the conversations on the rights of persons of the LGBTQ+ community in Ghana have resurfaced mainly after news broke of the opening of a new office for persons of this sexual orientation in Accra. This was followed by separate comments by the ministers-designate for Justice and Attorney General, Godfred Dame; Gender, Children and Social Protection, Sarah Adwoa Safo; Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey; and Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah. In each of these instances, the ministers-designate all re-emphasized the stance of Ghana’s laws on the practice, albeit not definite, drawing in the defenses of how our culture and values as a people frown on them. Like a raging fire, social media has been riddled with discussions on the subject, topping trends, and people who support the act are coming out, alike those who disagree with the act, boldly stating so. But what have our presidents under the Fourth Republic been saying, or, said about the subject, of course, without that of the late former president, Jerry John Rawlings. GhanaWeb brings you the details, starting with former president John Agyekum Kufuor. John Agyekum Kufuor: In 2019, during the meeting of members of the National Coalition for Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values and John Agyekum Kufuor, he urged the world to fight against same-sex marriages. He stated that no amount of argument could change the fact that without man and woman, there would be no human race, a Ghanaian Times report said. He added that the promotion of same-sex marriages is unnatural and immoral behavior in Ghana and Africa at large, and is totally unnecessary and dangerous because humanity could not continue if such acts were condoned. “No one was born gay, people just want to convince us to accept this blatant lie, but let us show them that we are real Africans, we cannot fight against nature and win. We will not conform to such disgraceful activities, even in Europe, majority of the people do not encourage homosexuality. As long as they remain in the minority, let us keep pushing till they accept that LGBT is not right and persons who identify as such, rather need some kind of help instead of forcing it on Africans.” Earlier, during his presidency, John Agyekum Kufuor had opposed a gay conference that was supposed to be held in Ghana. John Evans Atta Mills For John Evans Atta Mills, his was an emphatic “No” statement on the subject of LGBTQ+. In an interaction with the media during his presidency, and in reaction to comments by then British Premier David Cameron that they may consider cutting aid to Ghana should the country not legalize gay rights, the late former president was forthright, ruling out any possibility of the legalization of same. He added that Cameron was entitled to opinions, stressing that laws must take into account the cultures and histories of a given people. “Let me make one thing very clear: no one can deny Prime Minister Cameron his right to make policies, take initiatives or make statements that reflect his societal norms and ideals but he does not have the right to direct other sovereign nations as to what they should do especially when their societal norms and ideals are different from those which exist in Prime Minister Cameron’s society. “I, as president of this nation, will never initiate or support any attempts to legalize homosexuality in Ghana. As a government, we will adhere by the principles enshrined in our constitution which is supreme. Let me also say, that while we acknowledge all the financial assistance and all the aid which have been given to us by our development partners, we will not accept any aid with strings attached if that aid will not inure to our interest or the implementation or the utilization of that aid with strings attached would rather worsen our plight as a nation, or, destroy the very society we want to use the money to improve,” he said. John Dramani Mahama: John Dramani Mahama had similar comments as his predecessor and former boss, John Atta Mills. Speaking through his Information Minister at the time, Mahama Ayariga, the former president indicated that the act is criminal and punishable under the laws of Ghana. “The President is to execute the laws of Ghana. And the laws of Ghana are very clear on homosexuality. The laws of Ghana appall and criminalize homosexuality, there is no dispute about that. Homosexual conduct which is unnatural canal knowledge of one person or another is criminal and punishable by the laws of Ghana,” he said. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo: Incumbent president, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo- Addo, in an interview with Gulf news channel, Al Jazeera, said the issue of same-sex relationships was not on the agenda of the country although he believes that its snowball effect will soon reach Africa. “At the moment, I don’t feel and I don’t see that in Ghana there is that strong current of opinion that is saying that this is something that we need even deal with. It is not so far a matter which is on the agenda. “I don’t believe that in Ghana so far, a sufficiently strong coalition has emerged which is having that impact of public opinion that will say, change it; let’s then have a new paradigm in Ghana,” he said. Ghanaweb Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0555568093
John Mahama, NDC cannot use ‘independent-minded’ Bagbin for any ‘parochial agenda’ – E.T Mensah
Member of the Council of State and former Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram E.T Mensah has given a strong indication that the Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Bagbin will play to the ball of the NDC and John Dramani Mahama to undermine the Akufo-Addo led government. After the election of Alban Bagbin into the Speaker of Parliament position, members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) were optimistic that the Speaker will represent their interest and push their agenda in the lawmaking house. But speaking in an interview with Accra-based Citi TV watched by MyNewsGh.com, E.T Mensah indicated that it doesn’t make sense for anyone to think Alban Bagbin can be used to push someone’s parochial agenda. “It doesn’t make sense. The Alban Bagbin that I know is an independent thinker, we see on the same big page. There’s no evidence that NDC people pushed him. They know his pedigree…These are people I know, I know Cletus very well, I know Alban Bagbin very well and they are independent thinkers. Whenever we were going to take a decision, we will debate and debate as if we were opposing parties there until we arrive at the right decision. There is no way anybody can use Bagbin, nobody,” he told Citi TV in an interview restreamed by MyNewsGh.com. On his membership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) E.T Mensah indicated that he is still a member of the NDC and holds himself in high esteem as a founding member of the political party which is currently the largest opposition party. MynewsGH Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0555568093
Kofi Kinaata discloses when he is getting married
Kofi Kinaata has answered the important question of when he is finally walking down the aisle. The rapper who hails from Taadi could be making plans behind the scenes towards a marital union soon. In a question and answer session with his fans on Twitter, a fan quizzed him on when he is finally taking that all-important decision to settle down. Although his response was affirmative, it was vague since he refused to put a timeline on his decision. Kofi Kinaata, in response, replied by saying that he will be getting married soon. Although his response was affirmative, it was vague since he refused to put a timeline on his decision. Kofi Kinaata, in response, replied by saying that he will be getting married soon. SEE TWEET BELOW: Nonetheless, MP for Odododiodio constituency, Nii Lante Vandepuye, recently mentioned in an interview that he is willing to offer one of his daughters’ hand in marriage to Kofi Kinaata. The lawmaker explained that he is in love with Kinaata’s lyrical prowess while indicating that he is in love with his song dubbed ”Behind the Scenes”. GhPage.com Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0555568093
We can’t vet a nominee for an office we don’t know – Minority MPs on Appointments Committee
Minority legislators with Parliament’s Appointments Committee said they cannot be part of the vetting of Joseph Cudjoe, the Minister-designate for Public Enterprises. Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu said their objection is fundamental in the sense that Joseph Osei Owusu, the Chairman of the Committee gets in touch with the presidency to get them a formal correspondence regarding the Public Enterprises office. “Even if it takes midnight with correspondence from the presidency we will be here to work. As we proceed there is no Ministry for Public Enterprises and our hands are tied because we should be assessing him based on the role he is going to play,” he said Tuesday. He said per the Chairman’s ruling that the Committee can go ahead with the vetting and sort out the issue with the presidency later, they need to be clear of the purpose for which they are to do so. The Tamale South MP said he wants to consult with his other colleagues in the Minority to decide what their next step will be if they don’t get “further and better particulars to proceed with the vetting”. On his part, Deputy Majority Leader Alex Afenyo Markins said the Minority should listen to Mr Osei Owusu so they proceed and sort the issue out later but Mr Iddrisu disagreed. “Mr Chairman, my application is before you, it is not my intention that we take sides in this national exercise but momentarily for honourable Cudjoe, our side will just sit and observe whilst we wait for clarity and better particulars,” the former Employment Minister said. He added that the Minority does not intend to take part in further proceedings “until we receive satisfactory explanation from the office of the president.” Earlier, the nominee was asked by the Bawku Central MP, Mahama Ayariga what his mandate will be seeking to clarify. The MP wanted to know whether the Ministry is about managing state enterprises and corporation. Mr Cudjoe said his mandate is to ensure that Public Enterprises and Corporations run efficiently and effectively so they do not become a drain on government finances. He explained that government has for some time noted how such entities are managed and the losses they make so the Ministry steps in to prevent such occurrences. Gideon Kwesi Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0555568093
‘Who born dog’ – Koku Anyidoho mocks NDC communicators after Ayine contempt
Former Deputy General Secretary of the opposition National Democratic Congress, Koku Anyidoho has taken a swipe at some elements in the party. According to the former NDC Deputy chief scribe, these young elements who would have ordinarily been all over the place after court sitting in the ongoing presidential election petition, were rather spotted with a calm demeanor that comes off as if they have been bathed with ice. This in the view of Anyidoho, was as a result of the heat the bench gave former Attorney General, Dominic Ayine who was cited for making contemptuous statements about the court. “Yesterday when court closed, those usually carrying their weight around looked like they had iced block on their tongues, some couldn’t talk again. Now they were saying ‘we shall respect the decision of the court,” he stated in an interview on Okay FM monitored by GhanaWeb. Speaking further on the matter, Anyidoho who was audibly elated dared any of the NDC legal communication team members to poke the bench by making contemptuous comments against it. “The animal cries differently when caught in a trap and when one of them got caught yesterday they were talking differently. Now they are saying they will respect the court’s decision like Rawlings would usually say ‘who born dog’ for you to say you won’t respect the court?” he questioned. Lawyer Dominic Ayine was summoned by the Supreme Court panel sitting on the election petition to explain why he be must not be punished for passing some comments on the ongoing petition. Mr Ayine who is a member of the NDCs legal team commented to the effect that the court had a “pre-determined agenda” to rule against the petitioner in the 2020 presidential election petition, former President John Dramani Mahama. He subsequently apologized after facing the bench who had cited him for contempt. Ghanaweb Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0555568093
Akufo-Addo-Bagbin ‘tussle’ imminent over Council of State appointees
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has admitted that a consensus needs to be reached between the executive and the legislature over the inevitable increase in the number of appointments he has to make to the Council of State. The 8th Council of State, inaugurated on Tuesday, February 23, is by far the largest in terms of membership in the Fourth Republic. From 25, membership is now 31 as per Act 1037. At the Council’s maiden meeting immediately held after the inauguration, Juaben Omanhene Nana Otuo Siriboe II was elected Chairman. It will be his second straight election to the role. Lauding the effort and good counsel received in his first term, President Akufo-Addo said the creation of six new regions makes it incumbent for the amendment of the constitution to grant him authority to appoint 17 instead of 11 members. “It is worth recalling that as a result of the creation of six new regions during my first term of office, membership of the Council has increased from 25 to 31 with six new elected regional representatives,” he said. “The possibility exists that this number may be further expanded but there ought to be an amendment of the constitution which will allow the President to appoint 17 as against 11 members of the Council in order to maintain in the new regional governance structure, the equilibrium of the Council as originally provided by the office of the Constitution.” He stated, however, that: “This development will be the subject of deliberation between the executive and the legislature.” The President was, however, grateful to the erstwhile Council for their service. “After 28 years of the Fourth Republic, I think it is fair to say that one of the most successful Councils of State we have had has been the one that worked with me in my first term of office. We saw an intellectually vibrant Council, an active one that took its responsibility seriously.” Nana Otuo Siriboe II also expressed gratitude to President Akufo-Addo for maintaining most of his appointees. “Not only does this promote continuity in the work of the Council, but also allows these retained members to share their experiences with their new colleagues to enable them contribute meaningfully to the work of the 8th Council of State.” The members of the 8th Council are Sam Okudzeto, former Chief Justice Georgina Wood, Stanley Nii Adjiri Blankson, Tongraan Kugbilsong Nanlebegtang, Lt. Gen. J. B. Danqugh (Rtd CDS), President of National House of Chiefs Ogyeahohoo Yaw Gyebi II and former Inspector General of Police Ambassador Nana Owusu-Nsiah. The others are Professor Margaret Ivy Amoakohene, Paa Kofi Ansong, Alhaji Sulemana Yirimea, Mrs. Georgina Adepa Konadu Kusi, Kuoro Richard Babini Kanton VI, Alhaji Aminu Amadu, Mrs Alberta Cudjoe, Professor Ato Essuman, Archbishop Justice Ofei Akrofi, Nana Owusu Achiaw Brempong, Francis Albert Seth Nyonyo, Kodwo Agyenim-Boateng, Eunice Jacqueline Buah Asoman-Hinneh and E. T. Mensah. The rest are Mahamoud Taniru Zunglana, Azumah Namoro Sanda, Yaw Basoa, Daniel Anlieu-Mwine Bagah, Adam Zakaria, Richard Kings Atikpo, Katakyei Kwasi Bumagama, Odeefuo Afankwa lll (Emmanuel Baidoo) and Oseadeeyo Akumfi Ameyaw IV. 3news Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0555568093
Two injured after truck rams into six cars, shop
A Kia Rhino truck fully loaded with bags of rice, on Monday run into six cars and injured two persons in the process at Agona Swedru in the Central Region. The truck, with registration number GM 6125-14, was heading towards Swedru from Tema. The accident happened around 3pm. According to eyewitnesses, the truck driver lost control while descending a hill around the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) office in Swedru. Sensing danger, he tooted his horn to ward off pedestrians and other road users to move to safety, but the traffic at Chapel Square prevented some drivers from moving out of his way. The truck driver first run into a Toyota Hilux with registration number GC 6970-20 and a Hyundai Elantra with registration number GX 4564-19. The Toyota Hilux car subsequently crushed into a nearby hardware shop along the road destroying several items in it. Two injured after truck rams into six cars, shop The truck continued to descend the hill towards the office of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) and in the process hit three taxis and a mini truck that were in traffic near the SSNIT office and eventually somersaulted and landed on its roof. The other vehicles which were severely damaged were a KIA Labo mini truck with registration number GE 498-17, two Kia Picanto with registration numbers GE 6297-19, GW 6599-21, and a Hyundai i10 with registration number GS 3117-18. Two injured after truck rams into six cars, shop Confirming the incident, the Station Officer at the Swedru Divisional Unit of the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service, Chief Inspector Sampson Boamah noted that personnel from his outfit quickly rushed to the scene after receiving a distress call to maintain law and order. He stated that with support from the Swedru Municipal office of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), they managed to bring the chaotic situation at the accident scene under control and rescued two injured drivers and rushed them to the Swedru Governmental Hospital to receive medical attention. He indicated that since the road was the main road to Swedru, traffic was diverted to enable road users to get to the Central Business Area of the town with ease. He noted that it took the team about six hours to offload the rice into another truck before clearing the road for traffic to flow. graphics Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0555568093
McBrown’s husband impregnated his wife’s close friend -Mona Gucci
Television presenter Mona Gucci who threatened to expose Nana Ama McBrown for conspiring with her panelists to disgrace her on her show has delivered on her promise. In an exclusive interview with Rashad on GhPage TV, the self-acclaimed legal practitioner stated that she was amazed about how McBrown’s handled the show. Mona Gucci, who sounded very angry advised Nana Ama McBrown to concentrate on her marital problems rather than conspiring against her. According to Mona, McBrown’s husband had an affair with her best friend, and currently, they are on bad terms. Mona also revealed that her cousin based in London is the one taking care of A Plus’s wife because he is unable to cater to his family’s needs. “They shouldn’t make me their headache, A Plus should think about his wife and McBrown should also think about her marital problems. From what I’ve heard, McBrown’s husband slept with her best friend and now they are not on speaking terms. Nobody can intimidate me in this industry”, Mona Gucci disclosed. Mona Gucci further stated that the main reason she was invited on the show was to be ridiculed which is unacceptable. Gideon Kwesi Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0555568093