University of Ghana political scientist Dr Joshua Zaato has faulted former President Nana Akufo-Addo for refusing to sign the controversial Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, widely known as the anti-LBGTQ bill, before leaving office.
He believes the former President’s decision not to assent to the bill was a costly mistake that weakened the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) connection with voters in the last general elections.
Speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show, Dr Zaato said Akufo-Addo’s hesitation to endorse a bill already approved by Parliament showed a lack of political courage.
“What’s wrong when he did not signing this into power? Akufo-Addo was wrong. And this, by not signing this thing, also contributed to the massive loss of the NPP in the last elections,” he said emphatically.
He explained that once the bill had been passed by Parliament, the Constitution left the President with only two clear choices — to sign it or return it to the House with specific concerns. According to him, Akufo-Addo did neither.
“There are two things: you identify that there are constitutional challenges, you do your part, and you stand in it. If I were the President, I would have held a huge grand affair at the South Wing of the Jubilee House,” Dr Zaato added.
The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, which seeks to criminalize same-sex relationships and advocacy, remains one of Ghana’s most divisive legislative topics. The debate surrounding it continues to polarise Parliament and the general public.
Dr Zaato’s comments come amid renewed parliamentary tensions after the bill was pulled from this week’s Order Paper. Its removal has triggered accusations among MPs, with some blaming government influence for the delay, while others insist that due process must be followed before any further action is taken.
