Member of Parliament for Kwabre East, Akwasi Gyamfi Onyina Acheampong, has accused the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) of being dishonest over changes made to the Family Values Bill, commonly called the anti-LGBTQ+ bill.
His remarks follow Parliament’s passage of the bill with more than 30 amendments. The bill had an earlier version passed in 2024 that did not reach then‑President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo‑Addo for assent.
Speaking on Fakye TV’s Daybreak Morning Show, Hon. Onyina Acheampong said the minority in Parliament is disappointed with how the majority handled the bill.
“The majority (NDC) they’ve been a bit dishonest to Ghanaians, dishonest to clergy, dishonest to CSOs and everyone pushing [for] the LGBTQ+ bill to be passed,” he said.
He said some amendments watered down the penalties and introduced exemptions that were not in the 2024 version.
“I was part of the team that went to Safari Valley. They tried to water down the effects or the gravity of the offenses imposed if one engage[s] in LGBTQ,” he stated.
Hon. Onyina Acheampong gave an example of professional exemptions. He said the amendments allow certain professionals such as psychologists, doctors, workers at the Ghana AIDS Commission, and pastors to keep confessions confidential.
He added that such exemptions did not exist in the 2024 bill.
“That is why we say they’ve been dishonest because they knew all these exemptions should be allowed but never brought it up,” he said.
He also questioned why the NDC did not propose such amendments when the New Patriotic Party (NPP) was in power.
“If they knew they will do 31 or so amendments why didn’t (they) when the NPP was in power?” he asked.
Source: www.Kumasimail.com
