Alexander Afenyo-Markin disavows anti-LGBTQ+ bill post after social media circulation
via GhanaWeb2 min read
Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Effutu, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has distanced himself from a social media post that appeared to criticize the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025. The post, which circulated widely on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, suggested that criminalizing individuals based on their sexual orientation was akin to punishing them for who they are and whom they choose to associate with. It stated, "A law that imprisons people for their sexual orientation or who they choose to love does not protect society. It simply selects a group of human beings and makes their existence a crime," and added that "That is a line no Parliament in the civilised world should cross." The comments quickly gained traction, prompting questions about the Minority Leader's stance on the controversial anti-LGBTQ+ bill. The original post was later deleted and replaced with a disclaimer from Afenyo-Markin, who stated, "Kindly disregard this post. Account was compromised." This incident occurs as public attention remains focused on the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, which Parliament passed on May 29, 2026. The bill aims to criminalize LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana, with exemptions for certain professionals acting within their duties.
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The Western Regional Directorate of the Ghana Health Service GHS held an engagement in Takoradi to equip key stakeholders with knowledge and skills for cholera prevention. Supported by the West Africa Health Organisation, this initiative is part of GHS's post-flooding cholera preparedness and response activities, aiming to strengthen community awareness and promote preventive measures. Representatives from the Ghana Private Road Transport Union, food vendors association, Protoa Transport Union, media practitioners, and officials from the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan and Effia-Kwesimintsim Municipal Assemblies attended. The goal was to empower participants to educate the public on cholera prevention, early detection, prompt reporting, and appropriate response measures. Dr. Serwah Amoah, Chief Nursing Officer at the Ministry of Health, stated that the engagement is an intervention to train influential individuals on cholera preventive mechanisms for community sensitization. She emphasized the importance of adhering to GHS cholera preventive protocols, such as regular hand washing with soap under running water and maintaining clean surroundings, and urged individuals experiencing symptoms like vomiting and severe diarrhea to visit a health facility. Dr. Amoah also called on media practitioners to use their platforms to sensitize the public on prevention guidelines. Participants committed to sharing their acquired knowledge within their communities to help prevent cholera outbre
Must ReadThe Accra High Court has granted bail to Larry Alans-Dogbey, editor of the Herald newspaper, pending the determination of his appeal against a contempt of court conviction. Justice Isaac Addo, sitting at the General Jurisdiction 4 Division of the High Court, delivered the ruling on Friday, July 17, 2026. Alans-Dogbey is to remain on the same bail conditions imposed on June 26, 2026, which include a GH¢100,000 bail with two sureties, until the Court of Appeal decides on his appeal against both the conviction and sentence. His lawyer, Peter Okudzeto, filed the application for bail pending appeal on July 6, and the respondent did not file any opposition. Alans-Dogbey was convicted of contempt on June 25, 2026, for allegedly breaching a court injunction that barred him from publishing statements deemed harmful to businessman Kevin Okyere's reputation. He has appealed the conviction and seven-day jail sentence, arguing the injunction violated constitutional protections for press freedom, was unclear, and that his publications were based on official documents and made in the public interest. He seeks to have the conviction overturned or the custodial sentence replaced with a non-custodial penalty.
President John Dramani Mahama announced that the government will recruit 16,000 trained teachers this year to strengthen Ghana’s education sector. This announcement was made during his "Resetting Ghana Tour" in the Volta Region, specifically during an inspection of the new 1,500-seat multipurpose assembly hall at the Peki College of Education. The recruitment process will begin after financial clearance is secured, with remaining trained teachers to be hired as resources become available. President Mahama emphasized the government's commitment to reducing graduate unemployment and ensuring schools have qualified teachers. He also highlighted the importance of investing in teacher education for national development. Haruna Iddrisu, Minister for Education, added that the government plans to construct approximately 50,000 teachers’ bungalows nationwide to address accommodation challenges, particularly in rural areas. This initiative aims to improve teacher welfare, motivation, and retention, and is part of a broader strategy to enhance educational outcomes and ensure equitable access to quality education.