The nominee for the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Andrew Egyapa Mercer, has expressed his expectation that President Akufo-Addo would adhere to the constitution and make a decision in accordance with the law concerning the anti-LGBTQI bill.
During his vetting by the Appointments Committee of Parliament on Tuesday, March 5, he acknowledged the potential impact on Ghana’s appeal to certain groups but emphasized the dual nature of the consequences.
Egyapa Mercer stated,”Yes, it’s likely that it may impact Ghana’s attractiveness to some segments of people who feel strongly about the law and its passage.It may also inure to our benefits as well for people who feel strongly that the passage of the law is right. So, it cuts both ways, there will be some wins and losses. And that will be my position on the passage of the law.”
When prompted about the advice he would offer the president, he emphasized a balanced consideration, stating, “I will tell the president to weigh both sides. Obviously, the president is operating within certain social construct of the constitution, and I will expect him to follow the constitution and arrive at a decision the law enjoins him to arrive.”
Parliament passed the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, also known as the anti-gay Bill, on February 28. President Akufo-Addo subsequently urged stakeholders to await the Supreme Court‘s ruling on a constitutional challenge filed by a concerned citizen before taking further action.
The President emphasized the importance of holding off on any action until the court’s decision in a statement posted on Facebook by the Director of Communication at the presidency, Eugene Arhin, on March 4.