‘As a true African, I’m not in support of LGBTQ’ – Gyakye Quayson tells vetting panel

Deputy Minister-designate for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, James Gyakye Quayson, has reaffirmed his strong opposition to LGBTQ activities in Ghana, stating emphatically that he will not support any efforts to promote or legalise such practices in the country.

Appearing before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Friday, July 25, the Member of Parliament for Assin North said his position is grounded in deeply held cultural and personal values, shaped over decades—including during his time abroad.

“As a true African, I’m not in support of LGBTQ,” he stated. “I was in Canada when LGBTQ was liberalised, but I was one of the people who campaigned against it. So I will never be in support of it.”

Mr. Quayson, who lived in Canada for 42 years before returning to Ghana to enter active politics, noted that his beliefs align with those of many Ghanaians and reflect traditional African values that do not accept same-sex relationships.

His remarks come amid ongoing national debate and legislative efforts surrounding LGBTQ rights in Ghana, particularly the controversial Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, widely referred to as the anti-LGBTQ bill.

First introduced in Parliament in 2021 by a bipartisan group of MPs, the bill seeks to criminalise not only same-sex sexual relations—which are already prohibited under existing laws—but also the advocacy, funding, and promotion of LGBTQ activities in Ghana.

The proposed legislation outlines penalties including prison terms for individuals who identify as LGBTQ or engage in same-sex acts, and even harsher sanctions for those found promoting or advocating LGBTQ rights. It further criminalises public displays of same-sex affection and the operation of LGBTQ organisations.

Although the bill has garnered broad support from large sections of the Ghanaian public, religious institutions, and traditional authorities, it has drawn sharp criticism from international human rights organisations and foreign governments.

Many argue that the legislation violates fundamental rights such as freedom of expression, association, and identity.

In defense of the bill, Ghanaian lawmakers have asserted that it is necessary to protect the country’s cultural values, safeguard children, and promote the traditional family structure.

However, the bill has faced setbacks due to legal challenges and questions about its constitutionality under Ghana’s 1992 Constitution.

Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo declined to assent to the bill after it was passed by Parliament in February 2024. The bill has since been relayed back to Parliament for further action.