Solomon Owusu, Director of Communications for the United Party, has dismissed calls by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for John Dramani Mahama to assent to the anti-LGBTQ bill, describing the pressure as premature and unjustified.
Speaking on AM Show on JoyNews on Thursday, April 9, he argued that criticism of the president is misplaced since the bill has not yet been formally presented to the Presidency.
Mr Owusu stressed that due process must be followed before any expectation of presidential action, noting that there is currently no legislation before President Mahama for approval.
He also defended the president against mounting political pressure, questioning the motives behind the criticism and asking who was attempting to “intimidate” him.
In addition, Mr Owusu compared the situation to how similar legislation was handled under the previous administration led by Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and former Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, suggesting differences in approach.
His remarks come amid renewed political tensions over the anti-LGBTQ bill. The Minority caucus has also weighed in, with John Ntim Fordjour—the bill’s sponsor—citing portions of the Constitutional Review Committee’s report to support their position.
The Minority further called on President Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to apologise to religious and traditional leaders, accusing them of failing to prioritise the bill.
