The National Organiser of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Henry Nana Boakye, popularly known as Nana B, has accused the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) of exploiting the LGBTQ+ debate for political gain while failing to prioritise the passage of the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill.
Speaking at a press conference at the NPP headquarters in Accra, Nana B criticised the governing party for what he described as inconsistency and hypocrisy regarding the controversial legislation.
The press conference was organised in protest against the arrest and detention of an NPP communication officer for Sunyani East, Abubakar Yakubu, also known as Baba Amando, as well as issues involving the Bono East Regional Chairman of the NPP, Kwame Baffoe, widely known as Abronya.
Nana B alleged that the NDC, while in opposition, used the LGBTQ+ issue as a major campaign tool during the 2024 general elections, gaining significant political advantage from it.
However, he claimed the party has since failed to demonstrate the same urgency in pushing the bill through Parliament.
According to him, some leading figures in the NDC had previously used strong and, at times, offensive language against members of the judiciary and the then NPP administration under the guise of pushing for the LGBTQ+ bill to be signed into law.
He cited an instance involving Ningo-Prampram MP Sam George, who he claimed led demonstrations and made disparaging remarks against a Supreme Court judge, Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, without facing any legal consequences.
In contrast, Nana B questioned what he described as the selective application of the law, alleging that state institutions are now being used to suppress dissenting voices.
He referenced a recent petition reportedly filed by the Judicial Secretary to the Ghana Police Service, which he said led to calls for the arrest of Abronya over comments describing a judge as “political.”
“NDC benefited from LGBTQ+; they enjoyed political mileage from it. Sam George staged demonstrations, and during one of them, he called Justice Torkornoo names, including ‘useless.’ Did Justice Torkornoo, through the Judicial Secretary, file a petition at the Police Headquarters for Sam George to be arrested?” Nana B quizzed.
“We are being told that the current Judicial Secretary petitioned the Ghana Police Service for Abronya to be arrested. Why? Because he has labelled a certain judge as a political judge,” he added.
He further argued that the current situation raises concerns about freedom of expression and equal treatment under the law, urging authorities to act fairly and consistently in handling such matters.
The Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill remains a highly contentious issue in Ghana, drawing strong opinions from political actors, civil society groups, and the general public.
By 1960news.com
