News
Anti-LGBTQ Bill: We are protecting our cultural values – Della Sowah
Member of Parliament (MP) for Kpando Constituency, Della Sowah who is one of the eight lawmakers sponsoring anti-LGBTQ bill has revealed reasons for taking the step.
According to her, the move is to help protect the country’s cultural values among other heritage.
The new bill which has been introduced in parliament would impose a maximum 10-year prison sentence on people who support and advocate for same-sex and gay rights.
“Allow Ghanaians not to copy any culture blindly. For once allow Ghana, the shining black star of Africa set an example that other countries will copy,” she said.
Speaking to the media on this step, she said, “I feel sad when I hear that failure to legalize LGBTQ erodes democracy. Are we saying because we are practicing democracy we should allow it to erode our culture and values as a people? Why should we as Ghanaians give up our identity on account of democracy
“I don’t think on account of democracy you can get a free country like America to practice polygamy, or to legalize other lifestyle choices like the use of substances like cocaine, armed robbery and others,” she quizzed.
According to Hon. Della Sowah, LGBTQ is a lifestyle choice, and it’s not a forward looking practice, adding that she is speaking not as a Christian, but as someone who was raised to believe in what makes her a Ghanaian.Recently some people practicing polygamy were jailed in Canada. Every country protects their values.
Touching on the new bill, she said, on the contrary the law makes for the protection of the human rights of the citizenry or people who make that lifestyle choice.
Della Sowah added that under this bill their (LGBTQ) rights are protected, she indicated that it is only the courts that can find any person accused of the violation of our laws and cultural values guilty.
She further added that this bill when passed would nip the act of instant justice in the bud, and called on Ghanaians to throw their weight behind the eight MPs.
News
VP Opoku-Agyemang chairs Armed Forces Council
Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang is chair of the newly appointed Armed Forces Council.
Established under Article 211 of the 1992 Constitution, the Council provides strategic leadership and oversight to ensure the Ghana Armed Forces remain effective, modern, and disciplined.
In his address to the Council members, President Mahama emphasised their critical role in the military’s governance and administration.
He underscored the government’s unwavering commitment to modernising the Armed Forces to address evolving security threats, ranging from terrorism and cybercrime to climate-related challenges.
“The responsibility placed on your shoulders as a Council is one of great national importance,” President Mahama stated.
He added that “The strength of our Armed Forces depends not only on the bravery of the men and women in uniform but also on the leadership policies and decisions that guide them.”
The president’s key priorities include capacity-building programs to enhance personnel skills, investment in modern military technology and equipment, enhanced infrastructure development, and improved welfare and support systems for military personnel and their families.
President Mahama also highlighted the increasing role of technology in modern warfare, urging the Council to embrace innovation and data-driven security solutions in developing the nation’s defence strategy.
The President emphasised the importance of strengthening partnerships with ECOWAS, the African Union, and international allies to address global security threats.
The President called on the Council to uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct, transparency, and accountability within the Armed Forces, stressing that corruption and misconduct have no place in the military.
He expressed gratitude to the outgoing members of the Armed Forces Council for their dedicated service. He congratulated the newly sworn-in members, expressing confidence in their ability to serve with honour, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to Ghana.
News
Muntaka sworn in as Member of Armed Forces Council
President John Dramani Mahama in accordance with Article 211 of the 1992 Constitution has sworn in the newly appointed members of the Ghana Armed Forces Council at the Ministry of Defence in Accra.
The Council is responsible for advising the President on defence policy, military administration, and operational readiness.
Minister for the Interior, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, was among those sworn in as a member of the Council, with H.E. Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang serving as Council Chairperson.
The President urged the new Council members to approach their roles with dedication and a clear vision, emphasising the importance of their work in shaping the future of the Ghana Armed Forces, stressing the need to modernise the military and enhance its operational capabilities.
He reaffirmed the critical role of the military in governance and thanked the military officers and their families for their service and sacrifice.
The Vice President Opoku-Agyemang in her remarks, assured the President that the Council will serve diligently, loyally, and with patriotic zeal to reset the Ghana Armed Forces.
Other members of the Council include Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, CWO. Daniel Addo, Brig-General (Rtd) Fuseini Iddrisu, and Nancy Dakwa Ampofo Esq.
