The governing New Patriotic Party has said it is not in support of LGBTQ+ activities in any way.

Speaking at the Eastern Regional Delegates Conference in Kyebi, the General Secretary of the party, Mr John Boadu, said: “The NPP will not support the activities of the LGBTQI+ community”.

“We respect the rights of the individuals but cannot support actions that are against our principles”.

“But should there be a regulation, we would ensure that their rights are protected, but we will not support LGBTQI+ activities.”

There is a private members’ bill before parliament – Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill 2021 – which seeks to proscribed everything LGBTQ+.

It has generated intense debate in Ghana.

About a week ago, Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, said the anti-LGBTQ+ bill in parliament must be handled with “careful balance”, noting that Speaker Alban Bagbin, on his own, cannot commit the entire chamber in reference to the bill’s passage.

At a press conference by the majority caucus on Tuesday, 12 October 2021, the Suame MP said: “We are a democratic country and parliament should ensure that the rights of citizens are protected.”

Democracy, he noted, does not mean “we should trample on the rights of others.”

“The appropriate thing will be done,” he noted, citing Article 40 (a) of Ghana’s Constitution as “the driving principle that should underpin our international relations.”

“In its dealings with other nations, the government shall promote and protect the interests of Ghana,” the Majority Leader noted.

Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu added that “the Speaker cannot commit parliament, the Speaker can make a referral to Parliament which will be programmed by the business committee for consideration.”

“I’ll find it difficult if we have a Speaker who, as part of his own antecedent as a former member of parliament, says that parliament is going to pass the bill. It’s a bit of difficulty unless I didn’t hear well.”

“I’m not saying parliament is not going to pass it, but the Speaker should not make a predetermination for the house because he’s not a Member of Parliament and this is the business of Parliament,” Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu told journalists.