You used the anti-LGBTQ bill as campaign tool, now gays are kissing under the independence arch – Minority slams NDC

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has criticised the government, accusing it of showing no real interest in addressing the issues of LGBTQI+ rights and illegal mining (galamsey).

He argued that while in opposition, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) used these matters to criticise the former government and promised firm action if given power. However, according to Afenyo-Markin, the NDC-led administration has failed to treat the issues with the urgency they deserve and is rather focusing on a bill concerning public holidays.

Citing the viral video of South African gay couple Lue and Rue, he said the two displayed “their disgusting act under a monument representing our independence,” adding that the government has remained silent on the matter despite its earlier rhetoric.

He said, “The NDC used the anti-LGBTQ bill as a campaign tool. They made strong public declarations in support of its passage. They staged press conferences and issued statements and gave Ghanaian people every assurance that they were committed to defending family values and enacting the bill into law.”

He further pointed out that most of the loudest voices pushing for the anti-gay bill came from the NDC, yet now that the party is in power, it has gone quiet, offering no clear direction on the issue.

Touching on galamsey, Afenyo-Markin accused the government of neglecting the fight against illegal mining, saying the crisis is worsening under its watch.

He said, “The government is more interested in amending the Holidays Act than tackling the Galamsey crisis that is ravaging our environment.”

He also expressed concern about the environmental destruction caused by galamsey, including polluted rivers and deforested lands, saying the government has failed to honour its promises to tackle the problem.