The Deputy Minister-designate for Foreign Affairs, James Gyakye Quayson, has cited his position on LGBTQ+ rights, pointing to cultural, religious, and national values as key reasons.

Appearing before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Friday, 25 July, Mr Quayson was asked to share his personal stance on LGBTQ+ matters.

“My independent view is that, as a true African, I am not in favour of LGBTQ,” he said.

He went on to describe his experience in Canada, where he lived during the legal liberalisation of LGBTQ+ rights.

“I was in Canada when LGBTQ was liberalised. I was one of the people who was against it in my community,” he said.

Explaining the basis of his opposition, Mr Quayson added, “So my answer to the question is that I will never support LGBTQ+ for cultural reasons, for religious reasons and for the sanity of our own nation.”