Prophet Dr. Abednego Dartey, founder of the Kingdom of God Ministry International- Ghana, has issued a fervent appeal to President John Dramani Mahama to sign the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly referred to as the Anti-LGBTQ+ bill.
This bill, which was passed by Parliament in February 2024, seeks to explicitly define Ghana’s stance on homosexuality, an issue that has sparked intense debate nationwide.
The bill’s journey has been marred by controversy and setbacks, with former President Nana Akufo-Addo citing ongoing legal challenges as the reason for not signing it into law.
However, Prophet Dr. Dartey is adamant that the bill aligns with Ghana’s cultural and biblical values. “The concept of LGBTQ+ is unacceptable in Ghana,” he emphasized, drawing on the Bible’s teachings on marriage and relationships to support his stance.
In an interview with Accra FM/CTV News reporter Apelete Kofi-Michel, Prophet Dr. Dartey urged President Mahama to expedite the signing of the bill, underscoring the need for Ghana to uphold its traditional values. This call is not isolated, as other prominent religious leaders, such as Bishop Gordon Kisseih of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council, have also advocated for the bill’s signing into law.
Beyond the LGBTQ+ issue, Prophet Dr. Dartey also encouraged President Mahama to prioritize job creation for Ghanaian youth by establishing factories, drawing inspiration from the visionary leadership of former President Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.He said, by adopting this approach, Ghana can potentially stimulate economic growth and provide opportunities for its burgeoning young population.
The Anti-LGBTQ+ bill proposes penalties of up to three years in prison for individuals who identify as LGBTQ+, reflecting a broader societal and legislative pushback against what is perceived as a threat to Ghana’s cultural heritage.