The Director of the Legal Directorate of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Godwin Edudzi Tamakloe, has criticised President Akufo-Addo for his remarks regarding the signing of the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill into law.
Mr Tamakloe described the President’s comments as regrettable, stating that they were made at an inopportune time.
During a diplomatic engagement, President Akufo-Addo assured the international community of Ghana’s steadfast commitment to upholding human rights, notwithstanding the recent approval of the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill.
Addressing concerns raised, the President underscored Ghana’s consistent adherence to the rule of law and respect for human rights throughout its history.
President Akufo-Addo clarified that the bill is currently subject to a legal challenge at the Supreme Court, and as such, his government will not take any action regarding the private Member’s bill until a decision is reached through due process.
“l am aware that last week’s bi-partisan passage by Parliament of the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, on a Private Member’s motion, has raised considerable anxieties in certain quarters of the diplomatic community and amongst some friends of Ghana that she may be turning her back on her, hitherto, enviable, longstanding record on human rights observance and attachment to the rule of law. I want to assure you that no such back-sliding will be contemplated or occasioned.”
However, speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile programme on Saturday, March 9, Mr Tamakloe slammed the president’s position on the bill.
He accused President Akufo-Addo of adopting a Pontius Pilate-like approach, intending to absolve himself of responsibility for the bill despite its unanimous passage by parliament.
He expressed disappointment that President Akufo-Addo failed to seize an opportunity to assert Ghana’s independence to the diplomatic community.
“I think that President Nana Akufo-Addo lost a glorious opportunity to assert the independence of Ghana. Regrettably, he postures as though he is the President of the 51st State of the United States of America. I find that conduct to be regrettable,” he stated.
Source: myjoyonline.com / Ernest K. Arhinful
