By Elsie Appiah-Osei
Accra, July 25, GNA- Mr. James Gyake Quayson, a Deputy Minister-designate for Foreign Affairs, has reiterated his opposition to LGBTQ activities in Ghana, stating that he will not support any efforts to promote or legalize such practices in the country.
“Mr. Chairman, as a true African, I’m not in support of LGBTQ,” Mr. Quayson emphasized during his appearance before Parliament’s Appointments Committee in Parliament House, Accra, on Friday.
He said, “I was in Canada when LGBTQ was liberalized, but I was one of the people who campaigned against it. So, I will never be in support of it,” he added.
President John Dramani Mahama, in line with Articles 78(1) and 79(1) of the 1992 Constitution, appointed four deputy ministers for parliamentary approval.
The nominees include Madam Dorcas Affo-Toffey, an NDC MP for Jomoro—Deputy Minister-designate for Transport; Mr. James Gyakye Quayson, NDC MP for Assin North—Deputy Minister-designate for Foreign Affairs; Mr. Mohammed Adam Sukparu, NDC MP for Sissala West—Deputy Minister-designate for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations; and Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah, NDC MP for Essikado-Ketan—Deputy Minister-designate for Health.
President Mahama formally submitted the nominations to Parliament through the Speaker, Mr. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin.
As a result, the Speaker referred the nominations to the Appointment Committee of Parliament on Thursday, July 18, for vetting and reporting to the House.
The outcome of the vetting process will determine whether the nominees are approved to assume their roles, forming part of the government’s strategy to strengthen governance and improve service delivery in key sectors.
“This is the last batch of deputy ministers “nominated by the President, Mr. Felix Kwaykye Ofosu, minister in charge of Government Communications, stated in a statement on Wednesday, July 9.
The vetting process will assess the nominees’ qualifications, experience, and vision for their respective ministries, a memorandum issued by the Media Relations Department of Parliament and copied to the Ghana News Agency, Accra, on Wednesday said.
According to President Mahama, these appointments are crucial to building a responsive and efficient government capable of delivering on key development priorities.
According to Mr. Quayson, his stance is rooted in deeply held cultural and personal values shaped over decades, including his time abroad.
He noted that his beliefs aligned with those of many Ghanaians and reflected traditional African values that did not accept same-sex relationships.
The controversy surrounding LGBTQ rights in Ghana has sparked intense debate, with the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill being a focal point.
The bill, which aimed to criminalize LGBTQ activities, has garnered significant support from Ghanaians but has also drawn criticism from international human rights organizations and foreign governments.
Many Ghanaians have cited cultural and traditional values as reasons for opposing LGBTQ rights.
GNA
Kenneth Odeng Adade