The Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has lashed out at critics and condemned the viral photos of a gay couple kissing at the Independence Arch in Accra.
In a strongly worded Facebook post, the outspoken Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, who has been a leading advocate for Ghana’s anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, described the act as a blatant show of disrespect to Ghana’s culture and national symbols.
“I have seen numerous tags and posts about the abhorrent disrespect of our culture and values by two ‘useless’ individuals. The disrespect of our national symbols is despicable to say the least,” Sam George wrote.
He revealed he had just returned from Ho in the Volta Region, where he participated in the climax of the #GirlsInICT programme, when he came across the viral images.
The Ningo-Prampram legislator expressed shock at what he called “apologists of the NPP” who were calling on him to act, accusing them of hypocrisy.
“However, I am shocked to see apologists of the NPP calling on me and demanding action. What a shameless lot! We are where we are today without a strict legislation on these ills because former President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo failed and blatantly refused to sign the Family Values Bill into law after Parliament of Ghana and the Courts had cleared the Bill,” he fumed.
Sam George did not mince words in attacking the NPP’s stance on LGBTQ+ issues under President Akufo-Addo, saying, “You defended the immoral stance of President Akufo-Addo then, and today you want to pontificate? How dare you!”
He also updated the public on efforts to revive the controversial anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, formally known as the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill.
“I have, along with my Colleagues in Parliament, resubmitted the Family Values Bill. It has gotten Mr. Speaker’s approval and should be laid for first reading any moment soon.”
He pledged that should the bill be passed again, he would demand that former President John Dramani Mahama sign it into law when re-elected.
“The values, morals and innocence of our children MUST be protected. I would demand that President John Dramani Mahama sign the Bill when we get it passed again. My position has NOT changed, but I despise hypocrites.”
Sam George also called on the security agencies to act swiftly against the two men seen in the viral photos.
“Law enforcement must identify the two miscreants in the viral photos and apply the full rigour of existing laws on them.”
By: Ekow Annan/newsalertgh.com
