President Akufo-Addo has stated that he has no say at this point on the anti-gay bill, because it is before Parliament. However, he emphatically noted that he had no doubt that the Parliament of Ghana would ensure the legislation reflected the mood of the nation, a position which formed the basis for the laying of the bill.
According to the President, the opportunity would be offered him to have a bite on the issue, after the peoples’ representatives had exhaustively dealt with the bill and passed it.
The President said this on Monday, March 26, 2023, at Jubilee House during a joint press conference as part of the 3-day visit of the Vice President of the United States of America (USA), Kamala Harris, to Ghana. The presser was organised for reporters of Jubilee House and the White House.
President Akufo-Addo had been asked his opinion on the anti-gay legislation on the back of suppressing human rights.
In his response, President Akufo-Addo stated that a bill had been proposed to Parliament, adding that the Attorney General had met the committee about the constitutionality or otherwise of some parts of it.
“At the end of the process, I will come in. But, I have no doubt that the Parliament of Ghana will ensure that it is done to ensure sensitivity to human rights issues, as well as to the feelings of our population and I will come out with a responsible response to the legislation.
The legislation was proposed as a private member’s bill. It is not an official legislation of government. So, we will see what is the final outcome of it.
But, my understanding from the recent discussion I had with the Chairman of the Committee, the substantial elements of the bill have already been modified as a result of the intervention of the Attorney General. We will see what the final outcome will be and that is the stage at which I will also have the opportunity to come in.”
REAFFIRM
President Akufo-Addo, in his address preceding the questions and answers, had described his meeting with the U.S. Vice President as “successful,” as both sides reaffirmed the commitment to collaborate further and provide mutual support at both bilateral and multilateral levels.
He said the U.S. Vice President pledged America’s support for Ghana’s transformative agenda, where the nation would leverage on its natural resources to transform the country.
He added: “It is this transformation that would give us the best opportunity to derive maximum benefit from our abundant natural resources and enable us to create a firmer foundation for meaningful long-term economic and commercial relations with the United States of America.”
COLLABORATE
The President said Ghana would continue to collaborate with the US at all levels towards the peaceful resolution of conflicts, and in the search for global peace and security to promote sustainable development around the world.
He pointed out that although he was concerned about terror groups, he had no formal confirmation that al-Qaeda was present in Ghana.
The President in answering a question on the operations of the Russian mercenary force, Wagner, in the region, said he was worried that the group could expand its footprint in West Africa.
“It raises the very real possibility that once again our continent is going to become the playground for a great power conflict,” he remarked.
The President also rejected concerns about China’s influence in the region, insisting that Ghana’s relations with were separate from one another, and said the ties with America “is a relationship that has been close over several decades.”
LEADERSHIP
Vice President Kamala Harris, in her address, praised President Akufo-Addo for his leadership in response to recent democratic backsliding in West Africa, and standing up for democratic principles around the world.
“Under your leadership, Ghana has been a beacon of democracy and a contributor to global peace and security.”
She had announced at a bilateral talk with President Akufo-Addo, and repeated in her address at the presser, a $100 million package to help address the threats of violent extremism and stabilisation efforts in Benin, Ghana, Guinea, Cote d’Ivoire, and Togo.
“Your leadership in particular and personal engagement have strengthened the ties between the diaspora and the continent. President Joe Biden and I are grateful to have you as a partner,” she said.
RECOVERY
Answering a question from The Chronicle’s reporter on the effect of the ongoing economic crisis said her visit to Africa was part of the regaining.
Specifically, on COVID-19 impact, she said that industries shut down, and as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, food prices shot up, mentioning cereals for instance.
She also supported the advocacy for wealthy nations $100 billion to African countries as their commit towards its development, on the back of green emissions.
On the anti-gay right, she viewed it as a human rights issue, “and that will not change.”
A parade was mounted by the Ghana Armed Forces in her honor, and a was giving a gun salute, all at the forecourt of Jubilee House, before proceeding to meet President Akufo-Addo.
Last night, a state banquet was also held in her honour.
