Resist pressure to legalize sodomy, MP tells colleagues

Describing recent calls by a section of Ghanaians abroad to de-criminalise sodomy and bestiality as “demonic agenda,” Rev John Ntim Fordjour, Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin South, on Wednesday urged parliament to adopt a strong stand and resist attempts by any pressure group to influence the House to legalise homosexuality.

“Without prejudice to the position of the Parliament of Ghana, the Government of Ghana, any religious body or any political party on the subject of homosexuality, lesbianism and bestiality, premised on my deepest conviction and principles as a Christian, reverend minister and a proud advocate of Jesus Christ, and a legislator [that is] a member of Parliament for Assin South Constituency, I hereby openly and unequivocally declare my firm position against the views of members of an advocacy group, who on Thursday, August 17, 2017, sought to canvass support from certain powerful persons and institutions in Canada to put pressure on Ghana to decriminalise homosexuality,” the Assin South Legislator said in Accra.

Addressing a media conference at the Parliament House, in Accra, the MP recalled that an advocacy group had sought to canvass support from certain powerful persons and institutions in Canada to put pressure on Ghana to decriminalise homosexuality.

“And in furtherance of their demonic agenda, it is alleged that a group of eight men embarked on soliciting signatures to mount pressure on Ghana to decriminalise homosexuality.”

Rev Fordjour noted that “constitution of Ghana makes adequate provisions which debar homosexuality, lesbianism, bestiality and such acts that befoul the core tenet of Ghanaian beliefs, customs and traditions as a people.”

Quoting Biblical scriptures, alluding to the Quran, and references to the 1992 Constitution of Ghana and the Criminal Code (Amendment Act) 2003, Rev Fordjour, who is also a Member of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Foreign Affairs, cautioned that the practices of homosexuality, lesbianism and bestiality were potentially detrimental to the health and wellbeing of those who engage in such acts and described them as inappropriate.

The Assin South MP urged lesbians and gays in the country to change their hearts, “to repent and see the light of the salvation in Jesus for Jesus loves you.”

He called on all Members of Parliament to remain resolute in defence of the constitution and resist strongly any pressure that may arise for potential compromise.

“Let us be steadfast and uphold godly legislation. I hereby solicit the unfailing prayers and support of all religious leaders, traditional rulers and the media to ensure that godliness prevailed in our most cherished society,” Rev Fordjour said.

He gave support to the position of Rev. Prof. Michael Aaron Oquaye, the Speaker of Parliament, that Ghana will vehemently resist any pressure that may arise for potential compromise, calling on colleague Members of Parliament to stand steadfast and uphold “godly legislation.”

“I hereby solicit the unfailing prayers and support of all religious leaders and traditional rulers to ensure that Godliness prevails in our most cherished society,”Rev Fordjour said.

In attendance at the press conference were Rev Jonathan Blay, Pastor Kenneth Appiah and Mr Theophilus Konadu Taylor, all of the Parliamentary Christian Fellowship, who supported the Assin South MP.