During a recent event in the United States, CNN’s Richard Quest had a notably tense exchange with Ghana’s Finance Minister, Mohammed Amin Adam, concerning Ghana’s newly passed anti-LGBT+ bill.
Quest, in pursuit of clarity on Adam’s personal view of the law, considering his influential positions as both a Member of Parliament and a senior government official, pressed for a direct answer.
Quest asked, “If the court rules in favor of the law, what would you advise?”
Dr. Amin Adam responded, “Well, I would subject myself to the laws of my country. I do not live on an island. I live in a country that is governed by laws.”
Quest, seeking a more personal response, pressed further, “What do you think of the law? Just give me a human answer. Just for goodness’ sake, [hitting on the table loudly] give me a human answer on what you think of the law.”
Dr. Adam replied, “The most important thing is to discuss the effects of the law when passed… having said that, it is not for me (Richard Quest interjects [it is!]) to give the determination to the Supreme Court of our country.”
Quest, visibly frustrated, removed his spectacles and remarked, “You are going in circles here.”
Dr. Adam insisted, “I am not.”
Quest continued, “You have said this several times, and I understand your point! [gesturing towards Dr. Adam]. I understand that you don’t want to answer it [his voice raised].”
Dr. Adam reiterated, “Let me state my point clearly again, there is a case before the Supreme Court and I am not going to prejudice the determination of the Supreme Court.”
Quest challenged, “You weren’t in Parliament when it was voted, you aren’t going to answer whether you like the law or not because that is prejudicial, you are one of the most senior members of the government, it is not immediately clear to me minister, what responsibility you are taking for this law.”
Dr. Adam clarified, “The responsibility I am taking is, if the Supreme Court rules in favor and the president assents to it, I will subject myself to the laws of my country.”
Quest inferred, “So you are in favor.”
Dr. Adam concluded, “I have told you, I will subject myself to the laws of my country, once it becomes law. Until then, the Supreme Court has to make a determination on it and that issue is currently before the Supreme Court. And I am not going to prejudice the determination by the Supreme Court.”
Quest ended the interview with a simple “Thank you,” to which Dr. Adam replied, “It’s been my pleasure.”
The anti-LGBT+ bill, passed by Ghana’s parliament in late February, awaits President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s decision on whether to sign it, pending the resolution of a challenge to the bill’s constitutionality. Two cases contesting the legality of the bill are currently before the Supreme Court.
Watch the interview below;