Sheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu, the spokesperson for Ghana’s National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, has voiced his displeasure with the Majority Caucus of Parliament regarding their stance on the passage of the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill (anti-LGBTQI bill).
In a GTV interview on December 7, 2023, Sheikh Shaibu criticized the majority caucus members who suggested that other bills took precedence, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the anti-LGBTQI bill due to its implications for Ghanaian values and culture.
Expressing disappointment, he urged Muslims to vote against any politician unwilling to commit to legislation against LGBTQI activities, emphasizing that values should not be treated lightly in the political arena.
Sheikh Shaibu questioned the delays, stating, “Even if you talk of prioritization, how long can it take, since when was this thing (the bill) presented?” He called for transparency on any constraints hindering the bill’s passage.
Background:
Parliament witnessed tension on December 6, 2023, as clashes erupted among members over the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill.
MP Sam Nartey George and others sponsoring the bill expressed frustration as the majority caucus allegedly obstructed the Speaker’s order to address the bill during proceedings. Accusations were made that deliberate actions were taken to prevent the bill’s consideration.
Sam George accused the majority caucus of attempting to discredit the Speaker, who had promised the bill’s passage by the end of 2023. The Chairman of the Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee, Kwame Anyimadu Antwi, responded, claiming he was on an important government assignment and warned against dismissing the anti-LGBTQI bill.