Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has reiterated his unwavering commitment to ensuring the passage of the LGBTQ+ bill, which was previously passed by Parliament but was not assented to by former President Nana Akufo-Addo.

Addressing members of the Ghanaian community in Côte d’Ivoire on January 21, 2025, Speaker Bagbin strongly condemned same-sex relationships, emphasizing that he would rather sacrifice his life than accept such practices.

The controversial bill, which criminalizes same-sex relationships, successfully made its way through Parliament but was not signed into law by the former president.

Bagbin, however, asserted that the President does not have the authority to withhold assent to a bill that has been duly passed by the legislature.

“Parliament is the authority on passing laws, not any other person—not even the President,” Bagbin declared. “He was wrong, and the people of Ghana collectively held him accountable for that.”

Expressing his firm stance, the Speaker stated, “Nobody should joke with me on this matter. I am willing to risk my life for it. It is better not to live than to exist in a society where man is with man, and woman is with woman—what is that?”

Bagbin assured the Ghanaian community in Côte d’Ivoire that he would work closely with the new Attorney General and Minister for Justice to review the bill and present it to the new President for assent.

“I am determined to see this through as quickly as possible and hope for its passage this year,” he affirmed. “For me, this is about upholding moral principles, and I am prepared to stand by it, regardless of the cost.”