Head of the Linguistics Department at the University of Ghana, Professor Kofi Agyekum, has urged Ghana to pursue economic independence amidst threats from foreign entities regarding the anti-LGBTQ+ bill.
Highlighting the recent warnings of funding cuts from foreign governments and international finance organizations, Prof Agyekum emphasizes the critical need for the nation to achieve economic self-reliance.
Speaking on the March 5, 2024, edition of Peace FM’s Kokrokoo, he commended the resilience of Ghanaians in the face of economic challenges, citing the survival of the 1984 food crisis.
“In 1983, we thought all Ghanaians were going to die. We went through a serious famine but survived. If we lead a good life, it doesn’t matter the threats; we can survive whatever comes at us,” he remarked.
The anti-LGBT+ Bill, passed by parliament on February 28, aims to criminalize various aspects of homosexuality, including promotion, advocacy, funding, and the acts themselves.
Despite the Ministry of Finance advising President Akufo-Addo against signing the bill into law, citing potential repercussions on international financial support, the President reassured the diplomatic community of Ghana’s commitment to respecting fundamental human rights.
President Akufo-Addo emphasized ongoing legal challenges to the bill’s constitutionality.
A concerned citizen has invoked the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court to challenge the bill’s constitutionality, prompting calls for patience until the court issues its ruling.