The leader of the Suma Traditional Council in the Bono Region, Odeneho Afram Brempong III, has urged President Akufo-Addo to endorse the Anti-LGBT+ Bill or face community backlash.Expressing dissatisfaction with the president's hesitance to enact the bill, Odeneho Afram Brempong III warned of severe repercussions against individuals involved in LGBT+ activities if the legislation remains unratified.

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He stressed the readiness of the Suma community to challenge the president if necessary.Addressing the media on March 25, 2024, Odeneho Afram Brempong III stated, “We have heard that Parliament has passed the LGBT+ Bill and the president is saying he won't even touch the bill, let alone assent to it.“If the president doesn't sign the Anti-LGBT+ Bill, the Suma community has him to contend with.

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Because in 2021, we called all MPs here to commend them for having such a foresight to make laws against the activities of LGBT+.“If he signs and he doesn't agree, he can take it to court and we will also challenge it.“So, for him refusing to sign, he is worrying us and making us scared because of his past comment that it is bound to happen,” he said."In the olden days, we had ways of punishing people engaging in the act of LGBT+.

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If there are no laws at the moment, we will be using the olden systems, if you are caught, we will lash you first, then we ban you from the community,” he added.Referring to traditional forms of punishment, the Omanhene underscored the community's willingness to employ customary measures against those involved in LGBT+ activities if the president fails to endorse the bill.

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The Anti-LGBT+ Bill, as passed by Parliament, prohibits LGBT activities and criminalizes their promotion, advocacy, and funding. Perpetrators could face imprisonment ranging from six months to three years, while promoters and sponsors could be sentenced to three to five years in jail.President Akufo-Addo has deferred his decision on signing the bill into law, citing a constitutional challenge in the Supreme Court.

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Nevertheless, if he opts against it, MPs can override his decision with a two-thirds majority vote, making the bill's provisions enforceable.

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