Deputy Minister-designate for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, James Gyakye Quayson, has reiterated his firm opposition to LGBTQ practices in Ghana, declaring that he would never endorse their legalisation or promotion in the country.
Appearing before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Friday, July 25, the Assin North MP said his stance is rooted in deeply held cultural and personal convictions shaped over decades, including during his years living abroad. Quayson said,
“As a true African, I’m not in support of LGBTQ, I was in Canada when LGBTQ was liberalised, but I was among those who campaigned against it. So I will never be in support of it.”
Mr. Quayson, who spent 42 years in Canada before returning to Ghana to join politics, stressed that his beliefs reflect the values of most Ghanaians and align with traditional African norms that reject same-sex relationships.
Debate Over Anti-LGBTQ Bill
His comments come amid ongoing debate over LGBTQ rights in Ghana, particularly the controversial Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, commonly known as the anti-LGBTQ bill.
Introduced in 2021 by a bipartisan group of MPs, the proposed legislation seeks to criminalise same-sex relations—which are already illegal under Ghanaian law—as well as advocacy, funding and promotion of LGBTQ activities. The bill prescribes prison sentences for those engaging in or promoting same-sex acts, bans LGBTQ organisations and criminalises public displays of same-sex affection.
The bill enjoys significant support from religious groups, traditional authorities and a large section of the public. However, it has drawn strong criticism from international human rights organisations and foreign governments, who argue that it infringes on basic freedoms, including expression and association.
Although Parliament passed the bill in February 2024, former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo declined to sign it into law, citing constitutional concerns. It has since been returned to Parliament for further deliberation.
Source: TheDotNews