In the aftermath of the recent passage of an anti-LGBTQ+ bill by parliament, Gabby Otchere-Darko, a prominent member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has emphasized that Ghana remains a sovereign state with cultural norms that demand respect.

Gabby Otchere-Darko underscored that the recently passed anti-LGBTQ+ bill in Ghana mirrors the will of the people, as articulated by members of parliament.

However, he acknowledged the potential political ramifications that led to a culture of silence among MPs who might have opposed the bill.

In a series of tweets, Mr Otchere-Darko affirmed the democratic nature of parliament, emphasizing that the decision, though harsh, enjoys substantial popular support in the country.

He urged transparency from the media and politicians in presenting the pros and cons of imposing stricter penalties against the LGBTQ+ community, recognizing the inevitable consequences of such choices.

Encouraging those who believe the law is constitutionally flawed, Otchere-Darko advocated for legal challenges through proper channels, expressing confidence in the strength of Ghana's democratic institutions.

He called for respect for the choices made and their consequences, emphasizing Ghana's status as a sovereign state with cultural norms that demand respect.

Additionally, Otchere-Darko proposed the need to balance traditional family values with tolerance and diversity, cautioning against values based on hypocrisy.

He identified side relationships as a significant threat to family values and questioned the apparent indifference of Members of Parliament towards addressing this issue.

The objective of the bill is to establish proper human sexual rights and uphold Ghanaian Family Values, explicitly prohibiting activities related to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT+) individuals.

The bill prescribes penalties, including imprisonment, for engaging in or promoting such activities, awaiting presidential assent to become law.

“Ghana’s parliament, in which is vested the sovereign will of the people, has democratically passed a harsher anti-LGBTQ Bill. Yes, democratically!

“In fact, the threat of being unseated for standing for the rights of gays, etc, certainly created its own culture of silence in the House! But, it is the decision of parliament and one which enjoys huge popular support in the country.

“The world must understand that. But Ghanaians must also understand that it comes with consequences. Choices have consequences. We expect the media and the politicians to be fair to the people by letting them know the pros and cons of this decision to impose stiffer penalties against gays, etc,” he said.

“We also expect those who believe the bill is constitutionally wrong to do what is right and go to court. That is democracy! Our institutions of democracy are still strong and alive. Let’s have faith in our democracy.

“Let’s respect the choices we make and their consequences and believe in the process. Ghana remains a sovereign state, with cultural norms that cannot be wished away but must be respected,” he added.

"Values should not be premised on hypocrisy. That is, I suspect, ungodly. The biggest threat to family values in our society is caused by side chicks and side dudes. They break homes and family values cannot survive in broken homes. But, our MPs don’t care. Do they?" he questioned.