Presbyterian moderator urges Akufo-Addo to assent to anti-gay bill

The Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Dr. Abraham Nana Opare Kwakye, has urged President Akufo-Addo to approve the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly referred to as the anti-gay bill, before the end of his tenure.

Speaking at the launch of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana’s Bicentennial Anniversary on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at the Osu Castle, Dr. Kwakye underscored the bill’s importance, describing its approval as a key step in preserving Ghanaian values and the church’s heritage.

“For us Presbyterians, having supported the bill under the leadership of my predecessor, we interpreted it as our birthday gift for this year. Your Excellency, make our joy complete by assenting to the bill so that it becomes a law in Ghana. We seek to preserve the values of the African people through the gospel, and we are confident that you will do so,” he said.

Dr. Kwakye’s appeal follows the Supreme Court’s recent unanimous dismissal of two petitions challenging the constitutionality of the bill.

On December 18, the Court rejected separate challenges from broadcast journalist and lawyer Richard Dela Sky and Amanda Odoi.

Despite the Supreme Court’s decision, the bill’s fate remains uncertain as President Akufo-Addo previously stated he would wait for all legal challenges to be resolved before taking further action.