Ghana’s Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has once again voiced his opposition to LGBTQ+ rights, asserting that their actions cannot be classified as human rights. He emphasized that human rights are intended to enhance the quality of life, promote well-being, and extend longevity.
Speaking during a courtesy call on him by the Chiefs and people of the Suma Traditional Council in the Bono Region, Speaker Bagbin reiterated his earlier position that anything contradicting these principles cannot be considered a right. He cited the ruling of the European Court of Justice, which declared that LGBTQ+ is not a human right.
“Human rights and freedoms are intended to edify and add value to living, making life enjoyable and conducive to good health and better living.”
“Anything to the contrary cannot be considered a right, and that is why the European Court of Justice ruled that LGBTQ+ is not a human right,” he stated.
During the meeting which took place on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, Speaker Bagbin drew attention to recent developments in the United States, where some states are enacting laws against LGBTQ+ rights, and in the UK, where individuals are engaged in a struggle against such acts.
He also mentioned Spain’s appointment of a Minister of Sex to address the declining population by encouraging young Spaniards to have children.
The Speaker also expressed concerns about attempts to impose similar paths on Africa, considering the potential population challenges Europe and America might face in the coming decades due to declining birth rates attributed to LGBTQ+ practices.
“Yet, they insist that Africa follow the same path,” he remarked.
Bagbin particularly highlighted his concerns regarding unconventional sexual activities, including those involving animals, within the queer community of LGBTQ+. He questioned the labelling of such actions as “human rights” when they did not even apply to animals.
Assuring the traditional ruler and his entourage, Bagbin reaffirmed the legislature’s commitment to passing the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill into law, emphasizing its alignment with Ghanaian social and traditional values.
On his part, Odeneho Dr. Afram Brempong III, the Paramount Chief of the Suma Traditional Council commended the Speaker and the entire House for their efforts in drafting the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill 2021.
He expressed his full support for the bill, emphasizing that LGBTQ+ activities should not undermine Ghanaian cultural values and customs that have guided the nation for generations.
The Chief also advocated for a law that criminalizes such acts in Ghana, reflecting the strong opposition of the Ghanaian chieftaincy institution towards the practice and promotion of LGBTQ+ rights.
