“Thank God They Did Not Pass It” – Osu Chief Backs Revised Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill

ψThe Osiahene of Osu Kinka We, Nii Nortey Adomah IV, has expressed support for Ghana’s revised Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill, arguing that the current version has been carefully reviewed and tailored to reflect the values and realities of Ghanaian society.

Speaking on the ongoing national debate surrounding the proposed legislation via a zoom interview on Kessben TV’s Digest show, the traditional leader said Ghanaians should be thankful that the earlier version of the bill was never passed into law.

“Let us thank God they did not pass it,” he stated, suggesting that the current government had taken the time to examine and improve the legislation before reintroducing it.

Nii Nortey Adomah IV stressed the importance of public education on the contents of the bill to ensure citizens understand what it seeks to achieve.

“Education is very important. Parliament must find a way in educating people about the current bill,” he said.

According to him, public misconceptions surrounding the legislation can only be addressed through sustained awareness campaigns and clear communication from lawmakers.

The Osu chief also sought to clarify what he believes the bill addresses, stating that it does not target people based on their appearance alone.

“That bill doesn’t frown on people looking like an opposite sex,” he explained, emphasizing that the legislation should not be misrepresented in public discussions.

His comments come amid growing political debate over the revised bill, particularly following claims by some members of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) that the previous version contained problematic provisions.

Nii Nortey Adomah IV questioned those criticisms and challenged the logic behind describing portions of the earlier bill as harmful.

“NDC government have seen the claimed killer in the bill but has now been found. If certain portion was a killer, why didn’t they remove the supposed killer?” he asked.

“Streamlined to Suit Our Society”

The traditional ruler commended the government for reviewing the legislation and making changes he believes better align with Ghanaian cultural and social values.

“We should be grateful the current government has seen the need to examine and streamline the bill to suit our society,” he stated.

His remarks add another influential voice to the national conversation on the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill, which continues to generate intense discussion among political leaders, religious groups, civil society organizations, and traditional authorities.