Former First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Joseph Osei Owusu, asserts that Ghana should uphold its cultural values and national identity, even if the contentious LGBTQ+ Bill incurs international repercussions once it becomes law.
In discussing the legislative process for the bill, the lawmaker clarified that the President must first determine whether the legislation aligns with the Constitution before granting his approval.
“Now, we are waiting for the President to sign, but before he does, he first has to find out if the bill is in line with the Constitution or not,” he said.
He indicated that if the President discovers any constitutional issues, he may return the bill to Parliament with suggestions for further modifications.
“If otherwise, he writes his comments to Parliament for amendment, and if Parliament thinks otherwise, they reply that they have done all the necessary amendments and the President should consider signing it,” he explained.
Hon. Osei Owusu emphasised that the bill is highly likely to receive the President’s approval.
“Yes, I see him passing the law because if Parliament passes it, then he is supposed to sign it,” he stated.
He further elaborated that Parliament possesses the constitutional authority to override a presidential veto and advance the legislation.
The Bekwai MP also noted that the amendments made to the bill have enhanced its prospects of being signed.
“Now that they have watered it down, there is a high probability that he will sign,” he said.
In response to concerns regarding potential international reactions, the lawmaker recognised that numerous development partners and trading allies of Ghana have embraced LGBTQ+ rights and may anticipate that Ghana follows suit.
“The economies and countries we get help from have accepted this law, so they expect us to accept it so we can continue trading with them,” he noted.
Nevertheless, he emphasised that Ghana must prioritise its values and sovereignty above external pressures.
“If the LGBTQ+ Bill eventually becomes law through presidential assent, there may be consequences, but we must uphold our values and remain true to our identity,” he stressed.
He further stated that Ghana should be ready to forge its own development trajectory if international support is compromised.
“If they decide not to help again, then we stand on our own grounds to build our own country,” he stated.
