President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has emphasised the need for civil debate and tolerance as Parliament works towards a vote on the controversial anti-LGBTQI Bill.
Speaking on Thursday (22 October) he said although the bill seeks to check the activities of LGBTQI people, there is a need for members of the public to respect each other’s opinion on the matter.
“What I would hope for is that the debate itself be civil, that we will recognise the need for us to be tolerant of each other even when there are opposing views,” Akufo-Addo said in an interview with the Accra-based radio station Peace FM.
He added, “I think it will be a credit to Ghanaian democracy if this matter is handled in the correct manner.”
“I can’t feel pressured”
President Akufo-Addo said he was happy that an opportunity had been created for a private- member-sponsored bill to be considered by Parliament.
“It’s in Parliament. It’s a private members’ bill. We have been fighting for many, many … [for] a long time for the opportunity for private members to also sponsor bills of Parliament …
“The Parliament is looking at it. Let’s see how the process develops.”
The president also said, in response to a question about whether he felt under duress: “No! I can’t feel pressured. We’re talking about public opinion. We’re talking about legitimate processes that are being used.
“What I would hope for is that the debate [on LGBTQI rights] itself will be civil and that we will recognise the need for us to be tolerant of each other, even when there are opposing views,” Akufo-Addo said.
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