Connect with us

Hot!

LGBTQ+ bill to be passed latest by Friday – Ato Forson

Published

on

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.

Advertisement

“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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

“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

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Advertisement

Hot!

Constitutional review: Government accepts proposal to abolish death penalty – Dominic Ayine

Published

on

Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has announced that the government has accepted the recommendation to abolish the death penalty and replace it with life imprisonment as part of the constitutional review process.

He said the proposed amendment would affect Articles 3, 13, 19 and 72 of the 1992 Constitution, with offences that previously attracted the death penalty instead carrying life imprisonment.

Dr. Ayine made the announcement on July 30, 2026, at the Jubilee House in Accra during the Government Accountability Series while outlining the government’s position on the final recommendations of the Constitution Review Committee.

According to him, the government believes the death penalty is inconsistent with the constitutional right to life and Ghana’s international human rights obligations.

Advertisement

He explained that the recommendation forms part of broader proposals aimed at strengthening the protection of fundamental human rights under the Constitution.

Dr. Ayine said the government had also accepted the spirit of several recommendations to expand rights relating to women, children, persons with disabilities, older persons and the youth.

He added that a comprehensive Human Rights Act would be introduced to protect these rights and provide detailed enforcement mechanisms instead of amending the entrenched provisions of the Constitution through a national referendum.

By: Jacob Aggrey

Advertisement

Continue Reading

Hot!

Dzifa Gomashie urges investment in Ghana’s tourism, hospitality and creative sectors

Published

on

Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has called on both local and international investors to tap into opportunities in Ghana’s tourism, hospitality and creative industries.

Speaking in an interview yesterday with World Media USA Today, the Minister said government is committed to creating a conducive investment environment to support growth in the sector.

She highlighted key investment areas including hotels, fashion, music, film production, and tourism infrastructure.

Dzifa Gomashie also encouraged Ghanaians to invest in domestic tourism to help boost the local economy.

Advertisement

According to her, strategic investment in tourism and the creative economy will drive economic transformation, create jobs, and position Ghana as Africa’s gateway for heritage, culture, business and investment.

“Ghana has vast opportunities across tourism, hospitality and the creative industries. We are ready and open for business,” she stated.

The Minister’s remarks come as government intensifies efforts to leverage culture and tourism as drivers of economic growth and job creation.

By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending