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LGBTQ+ bill to be passed latest by Friday – Ato Forson
The Minority Leader, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has revealed that the controversial Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, is expected to be passed by Friday, February 16.
The bill aims to bar lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) activities in the country.
Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express, Dr Forson stated that the bill has undergone thorough consideration, and is currently being perused to ensure that all proposed amendments approved by Parliament have been appropriately captured.
He added that the exercise is to be done by Wednesday and by Thursday, the Speaker will finally put the question after the third reading for Members of Parliament (MPs) to cast their votes.
“By weekend Ghana should have a bill called Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill,” he said on Tuesday.
When asked if the legislature is ready for the global backlash that could arise from the passage of the bill, he said the people of Ghana want this bill passed.
According to Dr Forson, there has been surprising unanimity among the Members of Parliament, as no one stood against the bill during the Speaker’s inquiry.
The Ajumako Enyan Esiam lawmaker further highlighted the longstanding nature of the debate, with the bill’s details being before Parliament since 2021.
Despite the extended deliberations, Dr Forson remains confident in the overwhelming support for the bill.
“It has been here for three years and we’re still debating it. We’ve finished the consideration, what is left is the third reading and after that the speaker will put the question and those in favour will say ‘yes’ and those against will say ‘no’ but in the end, I’ve not seen any MP against this bill and the people of Ghana are strongly in favour of this bill. The Afrobarometer shows that 90% of Ghanaians are in favour,” he said.
The Minority Leader was also confident that the bill would definitely become law.
According to him, even though President Akufo-Addo can exercise his discretion not to approve the bill to become law, Parliament will ensure that he appends his signature.
“Even if the President fails to sign it, the bill would have to come back to Parliament, where MPs will use a two-thirds majority to have it signed.
“So as it stands now, I think the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill will become law even if the President fails to [willingly] sign it,” he was categorical.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
Ghana’s First Lady, Lordina Mahama, has made a generous donation to the country’s national female Under-17 and Under-20 teams – Black Maidens and Black Princesses- as they continue preparations for major international assignments.
The donation, made on Friday, May 22, was presented on behalf of the First Lady by the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, at the GFA Technical Centre in Prampram.
The gesture forms part of efforts to motivate and support Ghana’s young female footballers as they prepare to represent the country on the international stage.
The donation included essential food items and toiletries aimed at supporting the welfare and well-being of the players and technical teams.
The donation included cartons of Milo, T-rolls, soft drinks, toiletries, and a range of essential supplies aimed at supporting the welfare of the players, enhancing camp conditions, and easing preparations ahead of their respective assignments.
The Black Maidens are currently engaged in preparations for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers and are set to take on Liberia women’s national under-17 football team in the second-leg encounter in Liberia this weekend.
Meanwhile, the Black Princesses have already secured qualification to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after overcoming Uganda in the qualifiers, extending Ghana’s remarkable record to eight consecutive appearances at the tournament.
The donation by the First Lady was expected to boost morale within both camps while reinforcing national support for the young female footballers who continue to make the country proud.
The prosecution has officially rested its case in The Republic v Solomon Asamoah & Another, the high-profile legal battle commonly referred to as the “Sky Train” case.
The Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem Sai announced the development, praising the state’s team of hard-working prosecutors for successfully anchoring the state’s evidence before the High Court.
The criminal trial centers on the former Chief Executive Officer and the former Board Chairman of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF).
The duo stands accused of illegally authorizing and paying out US$2 million to a foreign company without obtaining board directives or other mandatory statutory approvals.
State investigators have confirmed that the disbursed millions cannot be found.
Following the closure of the prosecution’s case, the accused persons moved the court for an opportunity to file a submission of no case.
The presiding judge granted the application, ordering the defense to submit their arguments by June 8.
The outcome of the June 8 filings will decide the fate of the trial:
With this, if the judge finds the defense’s submission convincing, the accused will be acquitted and discharged however, If the judge dismisses the submission, the court will order the accused officials to take the stand and explain why they should not face prison sentences.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
