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Anti-LGBTQ Bill: We are protecting our cultural values – Della Sowah
Member of Parliament (MP) for Kpando Constituency, Della Sowah who is one of the eight lawmakers sponsoring anti-LGBTQ bill has revealed reasons for taking the step.
According to her, the move is to help protect the country’s cultural values among other heritage.
The new bill which has been introduced in parliament would impose a maximum 10-year prison sentence on people who support and advocate for same-sex and gay rights.
“Allow Ghanaians not to copy any culture blindly. For once allow Ghana, the shining black star of Africa set an example that other countries will copy,” she said.
Speaking to the media on this step, she said, “I feel sad when I hear that failure to legalize LGBTQ erodes democracy. Are we saying because we are practicing democracy we should allow it to erode our culture and values as a people? Why should we as Ghanaians give up our identity on account of democracy
“I don’t think on account of democracy you can get a free country like America to practice polygamy, or to legalize other lifestyle choices like the use of substances like cocaine, armed robbery and others,” she quizzed.
According to Hon. Della Sowah, LGBTQ is a lifestyle choice, and it’s not a forward looking practice, adding that she is speaking not as a Christian, but as someone who was raised to believe in what makes her a Ghanaian.Recently some people practicing polygamy were jailed in Canada. Every country protects their values.
Touching on the new bill, she said, on the contrary the law makes for the protection of the human rights of the citizenry or people who make that lifestyle choice.
Della Sowah added that under this bill their (LGBTQ) rights are protected, she indicated that it is only the courts that can find any person accused of the violation of our laws and cultural values guilty.
She further added that this bill when passed would nip the act of instant justice in the bud, and called on Ghanaians to throw their weight behind the eight MPs.
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Speaker of Parliament inaugurates open Parliament Steering Committee, launches action plan
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has launched the Open Parliament Steering Committee and the Open Parliament Action Plan.
The ceremony was under the theme “Achieving Gender Equality: Action by Action.”
The Speaker highlighted the critical role Parliament plays in translating the will of the people into inclusive legislation, responsive policies, and accountable governance.
“The International Day of Parliamentarianism is worth celebrating, as it offers an opportunity not only to recognise and promote achievements in strengthening democratic governance, but also to pause and reflect on the remaining gaps in institutionalising parliamentary democracy,” he said.
He noted that the event was scheduled to coincide with the International Day of Parliamentarianism to reinforce the importance of open and inclusive governance.
The Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, stated that the International Day of Parliamentarianism is intended to recognise the vital role Parliaments play globally as pillars of democratic governance.
He noted that this marks the first time Ghana is formally observing the day.
“The gravity of our observance is further accentuated as we convene to witness the launch of the Open Parliament Action Plan by the Open Government Partnership Caucus,” he said.
Delivering a statement on behalf of the Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, the Deputy Minority Leader, Patricia Appiagyei, described the Open Parliament Action Plan as a transformative initiative aimed at strengthening the relationship between Parliament and the public.
She said the plan represents a bold commitment to making Parliament more transparent, accessible, and responsive to the needs of Ghanaians.
The Clerk to Parliament, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, described the launch as a key milestone in the effort to build a citizen-focused and accountable Parliament.
He added that the International Day of Parliamentarianism is a call to action to recommit to the highest standards of public service and democratic accountability.
The inauguration was attended by a wide range of stakeholders, including the Majority and Minority Members of Parliament, members of the Open Parliament Steering Committee, the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Caucus, Parliamentary Network Africa, representatives from civil society organisations, members of the diplomatic corps, traditional and religious leaders, student bodies, the Parliamentary Press Corps, and other media partners.
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NACOC declares drug menace a national emergency
The Parliamentary Committee on Defence and Interior has paid a working visit to the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) to engage with its leadership and assess operational challenges hampering the fight against illicit drugs.
In a detailed presentation, Dr. Basha Ligbi, Head of the Commission’s Research Bureau, highlighted critical setbacks including broken body scanners at airport terminals, inadequate office infrastructure, overcrowded detention facilities, and deteriorating vehicles.
He also called for the Commission’s headquarters to be reclassified as a security zone, citing growing security risks due to private encroachment and nearby high-rise developments.
Director General of NACOC, Brigadier General Maxwell Obiba Mantey, described the escalating drug trade as a national emergency, warning that drug barons now rival armed robbers in threat level and are gaining influence at the highest levels.
He appealed for stronger institutional support and morale-boosting interventions to preserve the integrity of NACOC officers.
Chairman of the Committee and MP for Builsa North, James Agalga, assured the Commission of the Committee’s commitment to escalate the concerns to Parliament and engage key justice sector stakeholders to fast-track reforms in support of NACOC’s mandate.
