Legal practitioner questions anti-LGBTQ+ bill's passage, citing procedural concerns and political motivations
via GhanaWeb2 min read
Legal practitioner Adjei Tenkorang has accused the National Democratic Congress NDC caucus in Parliament of rushing the passage of the anti-LGBTQ+ bill for political gains, suggesting that due process may not have been fully followed. Speaking on Angel FM in Kumasi, Tenkorang stated that recent developments surrounding the bill have vindicated concerns previously raised by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. He noted that Akufo-Addo had urged caution and sought legal clarification on whether aspects of the bill conflicted with constitutional human rights protections. Tenkorang also highlighted that President John Dramani Mahama has since raised similar concerns. The lawyer further argued that information suggests the bill may never have formally reached the former president for assent, pointing to uncompleted procedural requirements. He referenced comments attributed to Mahama Ayariga, who reportedly expressed confidence that President Mahama would sign the bill, which Tenkorang said conflicts with statements from the Speaker. Tenkorang questioned how Parliament proceeded with the matter when the Speaker had reportedly indicated it was still under consideration, suggesting the Speaker of Parliament might not have been fully involved in the process and questioning if the rush was for political gain.
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Must ReadSheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu, Spokesperson for the National Chief Imam, has expressed disappointment over the renewed political debates surrounding Ghana's Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill. Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on June 2, 2026, Sheikh Shaibu warned political actors against turning the bill into a partisan issue between the National Democratic Congress NDC and the New Patriotic Party NPP. He emphasized that there was already a national consensus on the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, with both political parties, religious bodies, and Parliament having previously debated and established their positions. His comments follow recent remarks by President John Dramani Mahama regarding the need to exhaust constitutional and legislative processes, and Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin's suggestion to re-examine the legislative text. Sheikh Shaibu argued that the bill's substance has undergone extensive scrutiny and should not be reopened for political maneuvering. He recalled that Parliament had previously passed the bill, but it failed to receive presidential assent due to legal processes. He had expected the current parliamentary session to treat the matter as a procedural formality to deliver the document to President Mahama, rather than seeing the front benches divided into hostile factions. Sheikh Shaibu reiterated that resistance to LGBTQ+ advocacy is rooted in Ghanaian culture and faith, representing core societal values, and should not be politicized.
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Dr. Dominic Gameli Hoedoafia, the Executive Secretary of the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee on Decentralization IMCC, stated that he and four other staff members were dismissed from the Secretariat in 2023. He claimed Dennis Miracles Aboagye, then Executive Secretary, informed them there were insufficient funds to retain them. Hoedoafia, who had served since 2012, described his removal as "interesting political gymnastics." He noted that no compensation was provided, and they received one month's notice. The five affected staff members, including three senior officials, challenged the decision legally, leading to their transfer to the Civil Service. Hoedoafia was subsequently posted to the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources after being home for nearly a year. He argued that the explanation for their removal suggested a redundancy exercise, but the proper redundancy process was not followed. Dennis Aboagye was appointed Executive Secretary of the IMCC in 2022 by then President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
An archival video from 1962 showing Ghana’s senior national team, the Black Stars, playing against Spanish giants Real Madrid in a friendly match has resurfaced online. This footage has generated nostalgia among football fans, prompting reflections on the history of Ghanaian football and the Black Stars’ global reputation in the early post-independence period. The video provides younger fans with a look at a memorable moment in Ghana football from decades ago. The exhibition match, held on August 19, 1962, at the Accra Sports Stadium, reportedly ended in a 3-3 draw. This high-profile friendly was initiated by Ghana's first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, and was a competitive showcase that highlighted Ghanaian football on the international stage.