Ghana’s Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has reaffirmed his staunch opposition to LGBTQ+ practices, declaring emphatically that he would “rather die than accept LGBTQ+ practices.”
The statement, delivered during a public address, underscores his commitment to preserving Ghana’s cultural values and morality amid ongoing debates surrounding the controversial anti-LGBTQ+ bill.
The Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill seeks to criminalize LGBTQ+ activities and advocacy, and it has divided public opinion both locally and internationally. While supporters argue that the bill is necessary to protect the country’s cultural fabric, critics, including human rights organizations, have raised alarm about its potential to fuel discrimination and infringe upon basic rights.
Speaker Bagbin’s firm stance reflects the position of many in Ghana who view LGBTQ+ practices as contrary to the nation’s traditions. “I will not compromise on this. Ghana’s values and morality must be protected at all costs,” he said.
The bill has drawn condemnation from international rights groups and Western governments, which have urged Ghana to respect the human rights of all individuals. However, Bagbin and other proponents of the bill argue that Ghana has the sovereign right to uphold its cultural norms without external interference.
As the legislative process unfolds, the Speaker’s leadership will be critical in shaping the outcome of the bill, with its supporters optimistic about its passage. The debate continues to place Ghana at the center of a global conversation on balancing cultural traditions with human rights.
