Maame Ama Pratt warns Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill needs strong legal foundation to avoid challenges
via GhanaWeb1 min read
Maame Ama Pratt, Press Secretary and Spokesperson to the Vice President, has cautioned that the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill requires a robust legal foundation to prevent future legal challenges. Speaking on JoyNews, Pratt referenced the numerous court actions and public objections faced by the bill's previous version from legal and academic figures. She emphasized that merely passing the bill is insufficient; it must also withstand scrutiny post-passage. Pratt highlighted that criticisms and legal arguments from respected academics and experts cannot be disregarded. She asserted that a law passed through a legitimate process is better equipped to survive legal challenges and achieve its objectives, stressing the importance of ensuring the legislation possesses the necessary credibility and legal foundation for effective implementation.
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Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams, the General Overseer of Action Chapel International Ministry, expressed optimism that Africa will develop to a point where its citizens can achieve their aspirations and prosper without seeking opportunities abroad. Speaking at the 4th Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Family, Sovereignty and Values on June 3, 2026, he articulated a vision for a continent developed through "principles that work for us," rather than foreign models that do not align with Africa's unique realities. He dreams of a future where no African youth will need to queue for visas to other nations for greener pastures, emphasizing the importance of enabling young people to work, labor, and achieve their dreams and goals within their own countries. His remarks were made in conjunction with comments from Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin, who also urged African nations to safeguard their cultural values and sovereignty from external influences.
Nana Kwame Asafo-Adjei Ayeh, Member of Parliament for Bosome Freho Constituency, has accused the National Democratic Congress NDC of hypocrisy regarding calls to reconsider the Anti-LGBTQ+ bill. He cited recent comments by Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, suggesting a bipartisan review, which Asafo-Adjei Ayeh claims contradicts Bagbin's earlier stance during former President Nana Akufo-Addo's administration. Asafo-Adjei Ayeh stated he was saddened by this shift in principles, arguing that Bagbin previously ignored calls to reconsider the bill. He questioned why the Speaker now advocates for a bipartisan review under President John Dramani Mahama. Asafo-Adjei Ayeh maintained that the New Patriotic Party NPP never campaigned on introducing anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, asserting that existing Ghanaian laws, including the Children's Act, Marriage Act, and sections of the Constitution, already address related issues. Speaker Bagbin reportedly suggested on June 2, 2026, that Parliament could reconsider the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill through a bipartisan approach to build wider national consensus. This directive followed the bill's unexpected passage on May 29, 2026, with Bagbin citing breaches in parliamentary rules and a lack of bipartisan consensus. The bill, passed by Parliament in 2024, aimed to criminalize LGBTQ+ activities, advocacy, and promotion in Ghana but did not receive presidential assent before the end of former President Nana Akufo-Addo's administrati
Must ReadDr. Ekua Amoako has supported the Speaker of Parliament's concerns regarding the process used to pass the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill. Speaking on Joy News’ AM Show, she questioned the dismissal of parliamentary procedures for a nationally significant matter. Amoako emphasized that procedural safeguards protect legislative credibility and should not be ignored due to public support. She highlighted questions about the bill's passage, especially reports of the Speaker's absence during parts of the process. Amoako asked why the bill, if good, required 30 amendments and passage under urgency without the Speaker. She also questioned if proper procedures were followed for consultations and parliamentary scrutiny, suggesting the debate should focus on whether the legislative process met expected standards. For Amoako, legitimacy depends on both the legislation passed and the decision-making process.
Must ReadNew research presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting in Chicago indicates that GLP-1 weight-loss drugs may significantly reduce the spread of cancer and lower cancer risk. A study involving 12,000 cancer patients with breast, lung, bowel, and liver cancers found that those taking these medications were 38% to 50% less likely to develop stage-four cancer compared to those not using the drugs. Another analysis of 110,000 women aged 45 to 80 revealed that GLP-1 users were 30% less likely to develop breast cancer. Additionally, a separate study of 27,000 breast cancer patients showed that adding GLP-1 medications to standard treatment was associated with a 30% reduction in the risk of death. Researchers, including Dr. Elizabeth McDonald from the University of Pennsylvania, suggest that GLP-1s may inhibit tumor growth through various metabolic and epigenetic effects, beyond their original purpose for diabetes treatment. While experts like Dr. Marcin Chwistek of Fox Chase Cancer Center acknowledge the broader anti-inflammatory and immune-modulatory properties of GLP-1 receptor agonists, they emphasize the need for further studies to determine if the benefits stem from weight loss itself or other biological effects of the medications. Dr. Eleonora Teplinsky of the Valley Health System notes growing evidence of an impact on cancer risk and recurrence, and potential help with treatment side effects, despite the exact cause remaining unclear.