ACCRA, GHANA – At the launch of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana’s Bicentennial Anniversary held at the Osu Castle on December 22, 2024, Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Nana Opare Kwakye, the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, made a passionate plea to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. Dr. Kwakye urged the President to sign the controversial Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly referred to as the anti-gay bill, into law before the end of his term, aiming to cement his legacy.
Dr. Kwakye framed the bill as a symbolic ‘birthday gift’ for the Presbyterian Church, highlighting the church’s support during his predecessor’s leadership. Addressing President Akufo-Addo directly, he stated, “Your Excellency, make our joy complete. We are confident that in these last days, you will assent to the bill and make it law in Ghana.”
This call to action comes in the wake of a significant judicial decision. On December 18, 2024, Ghana’s Supreme Court dismissed two legal challenges against the bill, filed by Richard Dela Sky, a broadcast journalist and lawyer, and Amanda Odoi. The court’s unanimous decision has cleared a major legal hurdle, paving the way for the bill’s potential enactment.
The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill was passed by Parliament on February 28, 2024, stirring a vigorous national debate. Supporters of the bill assert that it preserves traditional family values, whereas opponents argue it violates fundamental human rights, potentially leading to international backlash and affecting Ghana’s global standing on human rights issues.
President Akufo-Addo has expressed that he would wait for the resolution of all legal challenges before deciding on the bill. With his presidency drawing to a close, the decision on whether to sign the bill into law is now more pressing than ever, making Dr. Kwakye’s urging particularly timely.
To view Dr. Kwakye’s full address, watch the video below: