Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Minority Leader in Parliament, has asked the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, whether he likes LGBTQ+ or not.
According to Afenyo-Markin, Haruna Iddrisu’s silence on the issue stems from his desire to maintain foreign aid for his ministry.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament, Afenyo Markin stated, “You supported it; you were the Chief Legal Adviser. You supported it. Now you are running away.
Mr Speaker, the bill was suffocating the government at the time; we were in a difficult situation. We pleaded with our colleagues to manage the situation.
Now, the education minister needs grant, he needs foreign aid, he needs support for his ministry. Do you like LGBTQ+ or not? Say it; let’s hear you on record,” Afenyo-Markin said.
He further reiterated, “You are vying for a running mate. Do you like LGBTQ+ or not? Say it. You want a woman to be president, and possibly you’ll be the vice president. Do you support LGBTQ+? Declare your position, Minister of Education,” he said.
Meanwhile, Haruna Iddrisu, reacting to the debate on the floor of parliament, Haruna Iddrisu noted it is interesting that minority MPs were in Ghana when parliament passed the law, but did not voice their thoughts after Nana Addo Dankwah breached the constitution.
Speaking on the floor of parliament, Haruna Iddrisu stated, “When I see leaders in front, shouting that is not for leaders to do; if you are a good leader, you must have those who will do that for you”.
He further slammed the minority on the Anti-LGBTQ Bill, saying, “I saw them a while ago talking about LGBTQ, Hon Habib, interesting times in Ghana, you were in Ghana parliament, passed the law, Nana Addo Dankwah was in breach of the constitution, you didn’t have a voice.
Read Article 106, 7, 8. He was in breach of the constitution. If parliament gives a bail to the president and he can assent or not assent, the constitution provides what he should do. Did you do that?”
He added, “You allowed it to elapse, then today we are discussing the same matter. I heard the leader talk about how there was no administrative error, but there was a constitutional error.
The constitution is elaborate, President Akufo-Addo can disagree with parliament, but if he disagrees convey it back to parliament that I disagree with you, and this is my reasoning. I will not do it for this reason”.
Haruna Iddrisu further declared, “We should pass it, I equally would have ended by saying Why didn’t you pass it, but it will be passed”.
Meanwhile, the Anti-LBGTQ bill under the former Akufo-Addo government faced several lawsuits filed against the bill, leading to a delay in its signing.
Eventually, the bill, which became a burden for the previous government, remained just a bill and was not passed into law before Akufo-Addo left power.
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