A former Parliamentary Aspirant and youngest amongst the nine to contest for the Mfantsiman Constituency parliamentary Seat on the ticket of National Democratic Congress (NDC),Mr Michael Donatus Turkson says President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s refusal to assent to the LGBTQ+ bill will hinder the country’s morality.
In a letter signed by Mr Turkson detailed that, President Akufo-Addo refusing to assent to the bill citing potential financial implications on the country’s economy announced by the finance ministry is utterly preposterous.
“I don’t remember when the MOF and the SC formed part of the council of State to advise you whether or not to assent the Anti- LGBTQ+ Bill? You may want to refer to Article 106, clauses 7, 8 and ,9 of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution of which you are very aware” Part of the letter reads
However, Mr Turkson is not accepting such an excuse, deeming it inappropriate for the finance ministry to raise such concerns week after the bill’s initial passage.
Speaking to this portal,Mr Turkson questioned the timing of the President’s objections, stating that Akufo-Addo promptly assented to the E-levy Bill to punish Ghanaians with the support of Dr Bawumia .
He emphasized that the President’s denial to sign the ANTI- LGBTQ,+ Bill into law will harm the country’s moral values, beliefs and culture.
Mr Turkson also heaped praises on Hon.Sam Dzata George for fighting effortlessly against the foreign powers endeavoring to force activities of LGBTQ+ on Ghanaians.
Mr Turkson urged the government to reconsider his decision to sign the bill as it could affect the country’s social and moral values.
Below is the letter detailed by Michael Donatus Turkson
The constitution is supreme. Dear Mr. President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, at this stage of the bill, I don’t remember when the MOF and the SC formed part of the Council of State to advise you whether or not to assent the Anti-LGBTQ++ bill? You may want to refer to Article 106, clauses (7),(8),(9)…. of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution of which you are very aware.
After Parliament had gone through the ‘winnowing’ process to present to you a whole bill, you have a responsibility to put things in its appropriate order.
Anyway, it’s the gimmicks not to assent for me. Some of us have always known your stand on this matter and we are highly disappointed in you and your Dr Digitalisation(Alhaji M. Bawumia).
This matter is of grave concern to Ghanaians and this is a test of your fate.
Please be reminded that Private Members Bill strengthens our democracy as a developing country and is key to parliamentary effectiveness. As the head of the executive, it is bedivilled on you to either believe in the Parliament by assenting the Bill or you lose trust with the lack of harmony in Governance by ignoring the Bill.
Dear Mr. President( Mr cathedral contractor) and , we want you to rise to the occassion and act once and for all in the best interest of Ghanaians.
At this point, may I commend the effort of Hon. Sam Dzata George , a true stateman with national interest at heart. He is a big brother, who I have been privileged to work with and know the unrivaled passion he has for his constituents and our beloved country, Ghana at large. A true son of Ningo Prampran who has exhibited courage and love for gender balance. In the same spirit, I congratulate others who have stood firm to the cause from day one and sponsored the Bill with Dzata. May God continue to bless you!
Thank you!
Signed
#MichaelDonatusTurkson
#Odapagyan
By Lawrence Odoom
