Minority accuses NDC and President Mahama of hypocrisy over anti-LGBTQ+ bill
via GhanaWeb3 min read
Ghana's Minority Caucus in Parliament has accused the ruling National Democratic Congress NDC and President John Mahama of hypocrisy and deception regarding the anti-LGBTQ+ bill. This follows Parliament's passage of a revised version of the bill last week, which the Minority claims is weaker than the original 2024 version due to the withdrawal of about 30 clauses. The Minority is calling for the restoration of the original bill, accusing the NDC and its leaders, including President Mahama and Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin, of overseeing contradictory bills on the same issue. They argue that the NDC, after campaigning vigorously against LGBTQ+ interests and portraying the NPP as supportive of them, has now fundamentally altered the bill upon assuming office. The Minority described the NDC's actions as "strange and hypocritical" for demanding presidential assent to the 2024 Bill while in opposition, only to rewrite it after taking office. They also criticized Speaker Alban Bagbin for presiding over an institution that passed two conflicting bills. Furthermore, the Minority highlighted internal contradictions within the NDC, citing President Mahama's public suggestion about a lack of quorum and the Majority Leader's disagreement with the Speaker's call for a fresh Consideration Stage. The Minority also slammed President Mahama for allegedly demonstrating a lack of commitment to sign the bill during his recent visit to the United Kingdom, where he reportedly gave assurances
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by GhanaWeb.
Must ReadGhana's Ministry of Health has intensified surveillance and preparedness measures at its borders to prevent the potential importation of Ebola, confirming no cases have been recorded in the country. Deputy Minister for Health, Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah, is leading field assessments at key entry points like the Aflao and Elubo borders. This preventive strategy follows Ebola outbreaks in other parts of Africa, specifically the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. Dr Ayensu-Danquah emphasized that Ebola preparedness is a continental concern, with collaboration among major health institutions including the World Health Organization Africa Region and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. International partners are sharing information, equipment, and health commodities to bolster Africa's collective response capacity. The Deputy Minister engaged frontline health workers and security agencies at the Aflao Border to evaluate screening, surveillance, and isolation protocols.
Must ReadGhana's Minority Caucus in Parliament has accused President John Dramani Mahama of downplaying the anti-LGBTQ+ bill during his recent visit to the United Kingdom. Speaking at Chatham House in London, President Mahama suggested the bill was “far from becoming law.” The Minority Caucus stated that President Mahama reportedly gave firm assurances to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street that the bill was far from being signed. The caucus described this assurance as “hypocritical,” citing Mahama’s earlier stance on the bill during his campaign. They noted that President Mahama’s remarks at Chatham House also suggested his administration was not in a hurry to see the bill enacted. The Minority Caucus expressed concern that such assurances, if accurate, would represent a significant departure from the urgency with which the NDC pursued the matter while in opposition. They questioned the NDC's consistency and commitment, arguing that the party is not prepared to stand by its previously campaigned position. The caucus maintained that the bill, in its original form, should be passed by the current Parliament and transmitted for presidential assent, aligning with the aspirations of the majority of Ghanaians.
Must ReadA video from 2025 shows a heavily pregnant Nigerian woman being denied entry into the United Kingdom while in transit to the United States. UK immigration officials raised concerns about the purpose of her trip and her advanced stage of pregnancy. The woman was seven weeks away from her due date and had a return ticket scheduled three weeks before her due date, which an official noted exceeded airline limits for late-stage pregnancy travel. During questioning, she admitted she had not disclosed her pregnancy when applying for her US visa, stating "It didn't come up." An immigration official, identified as Sarah, contacted the US Embassy for guidance. The embassy requested the woman visit its office in Lagos with her documents, leading her to miss her flight. The woman reportedly did not appear at the American embassy as requested, resulting in the cancellation of her US visa. The incident highlighted concerns among officials about pregnant women traveling abroad to give birth in countries where children automatically acquire citizenship by birth.
Professor Eric Stemn, Head of the Environmental and Safety Engineering Department at the University of Mines and Technology UMaT, stated that climate change is already affecting communities in Tarkwa, necessitating urgent action to prevent further environmental damage. Speaking at UMaT’s World Environment Day celebration, Prof. Stemn highlighted that residents are experiencing these effects, making it crucial for stakeholders to adapt and invest in sustainable environmental practices. The event, in collaboration with Gold Fields and AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine, focused on "A Call for Climate Action: Renewable Energy, Forest Expansion and Zero-Waste Initiatives." Prof. Stemn noted that Ghana generates over 13,000 tonnes of solid waste daily, with less than 10 percent recycled, and has lost nearly two-thirds of its forest cover since 1950. Research in Tarkwa showed over 1,000 hectares of forest lost in the past four years, contributing to drying rivers and environmental degradation. Despite challenges, Ghana has significant renewable energy potential, and stakeholders should leverage solar and other clean energy sources to meet the 2030 target of 10 percent renewable energy in the national mix. John Kwesi Adingila, Senior Manager for Environment at Gold Fields, emphasized forest restoration as an environmental, economic, and human survival issue, noting Gold Fields Tarkwa Mine's concurrent land rehabilitation practices. Portia Afful, an Environmental Officer at AngloGold A