The Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu has hit back at the New Patriotic Party (NPP) over its recent criticisms of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) regarding the anti-LGBTQ+ bill.

Responding to claims that President John Mahama is delaying action on the bill, the Abura Asebu Kwamankese MP argued that the NPP lacks the moral right to criticise.

In an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, Mr Ofosu stated that the NPP, under former President Akufo-Addo, had eight years to pass the bill but failed to act.

“Yet, they remained hesitant, even when Akufo-Addo had the opportunity to sign it before leaving office. How do you expect us to do in six months what you failed to deliver in eight years?” he questioned.

He emphasised that both the NDC and President Mahama have consistently demonstrated their support for the anti-LGBTQ+ bill.

“Between us and them, we know who is genuinely committed to the bill. We all saw the shenanigans they pulled in court just to delay the process so Akufo-Addo would not sign the bill. These things will not sidetrack us. We are committed to ensuring that the bill is passed not to promoting LGBTQ activities in Ghana,” he asserted.

Mr Ofosu also rejected suggestions that the NDC MPs who sponsored the bill have gone silent following their party’s electoral victory.

The debate over the controversial bill has reignited following Ghana’s abstention from a United Nations Human Rights Council vote during its 59th session.

The vote sought to renew the mandate of the Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. At the end of the vote, 29 member states voted in favour, 15 opposed, while Ghana was one of three countries that abstained.

Amid public backlash, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration clarified that Ghana’s abstention was guided by the principles enshrined in Chapter 5, Article 17 of the 1992 Constitution, which prohibits discrimination based on gender, race, colour, ethnicity, religion, creed, or social and economic status.

The Ministry also dismissed suggestions that Ghana has compromised its stance on homosexuality.