Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin (L) and Haruna Iddrisu (R)
The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, has taken a swipe at the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, accusing him of double standards and reluctance to take a firm stance on the controversial LGBTQ bill.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament on October 22, 2025, the Effutu legislator said the education minister’s current silence on the issue stems from his desire to maintain foreign aid and international support for his ministry.
“Mr Speaker, the bill was suffocating government at the time; we were in a difficult situation. We pleaded with our colleagues to manage the situation. Now, the education minister needs grant, he needs foreign aid, he needs support for his ministry. Do you like LGBTQ+ or not? Say it; let’s hear you on record,” Afenyo-Markin said.
The Minority Leader argued that Iddrisu, who previously served as the Chief Legal Adviser to government on the bill during the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) government, had supported the anti-LBGTQ legislation in its earlier stages but is now “running away” from it due to political and diplomatic pressures.
“You supported it; you were the Chief Legal Adviser. You supported it. Now you are running away,” he charged.
Afenyo-Markin further suggested that the education minister’s silence might be influenced by potential help for his government.
Ministerial Vetting: Watch the moment Haruna Iddrisu surprised everyone when he spoke ‘Twi’
He stated that the Tamale South MP is vying for running mate slot ahead of the 2028 general elections hence he should state his position on the matter.
“You are vying for running mate. Do you like LGBTQ+ or not? Say it. You want a woman to be president, possibly you’ll be the vice president do you support LGBTQ+? Declare your position, Minister of Education,” he said.
The exchange took place amid renewed tensions in Parliament over the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, commonly referred to as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, which has drawn sharp divisions both within Parliament and among the general public.
The bill, first introduced in 2021, seeks to criminalize LGBTQ+ activities and advocacy in Ghana.
Watch CCTV footage of alleged soldier assaulting two civilians inside a pharmacy
Tragedy as farmer drowns while seeking loan to send child to SHS
The wait is over! The GhanaWeb Excellence Awards 2025 is officially launched. Let’s Celebrate impact, innovation and excellence across Ghana.
Who deserves to be honoured this year?
Nominate now 👉 https://ghanaweb.com/ghanaexcellenceawards/nominate
AM/SSM
Tragedy as farmer drowns while seeking loan to send child to SHS
The wait is over! The GhanaWeb Excellence Awards 2025 is officially launched. Let’s Celebrate impact, innovation and excellence across Ghana.
Who deserves to be honoured this year?
Nominate now 👉 https://ghanaweb.com/ghanaexcellenceawards/nominate
