IDNOWA has formally written to the Minority Leader of the Parliament of Ghana, Hon. Alexander Afenyo‑Markin, appealing for responsible leadership and urging Parliament not to use the Anti‑LGBTIQ Bill as a tool for retaliation or political pressure.
Our message is simple and grounded in Ghana’s constitutional values: every citizen deserves protection, dignity, and fairness—regardless of sexual orientation, ethnicity, gender, or religion.
Dear Hon. Alexander Afenyo‑Markin, Minority Leader, Parliament of the Republic of Ghana,
I extend my respectful greetings to you and your distinguished office. I am writing in my capacity as Executive Director of the Interfaith Diversity Network of West Africa (IDNOWA), an organisation committed to promoting peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and the protection of all citizens irrespective of their background, beliefs, or identity.
I wish to respectfully appeal to your good office regarding the ongoing calls for the passage of the Anti‑LGBTIQ Bill. My concern is not rooted in politics, but in the shared responsibility we all bear to safeguard Ghana’s democratic values, human dignity, and long‑standing traditions of tolerance.
IDNOWA is not advocating for special privileges or political advantage for any group. Our position is simple: every Ghanaian deserves equal protection under the law, regardless of sexual orientation, ethnicity, or religion. This principle aligns with Ghana’s constitutional commitments and with the moral foundations of our diverse cultural and faith traditions.
Historically, our ancestors lived in communities where differences were managed with wisdom rather than punishment. They did not build prisons for people based on their private lives or identities. Instead, they upheld a social fabric that valued harmony, coexistence, and respect for diversity. These values have shaped Ghana into a nation admired for its stability and humanity.
At a time when the country faces significant economic and social challenges, prioritising legislation that targets vulnerable citizens risks diverting national attention from urgent development needs. It also risks deepening divisions at a moment when unity is essential. Ghana’s reputation as a democratic, rights‑respecting nation has been earned through decades of careful leadership—leadership that you now embody in your role as Minority Leader.
I therefore appeal to your conscience, your sense of justice, and your commitment to Ghana’s democratic heritage. Your influence can help ensure that Parliament does not become a tool for retaliation or exclusion, but remains a place where every citizen feels represented and protected. This moment calls for leadership that rises above political tensions and affirms the dignity of all Ghanaians.
I trust in your wisdom and your ability to guide Parliament toward decisions that strengthen our national cohesion and uphold the values that define us as a people.
Thank you for your service to Ghana and for considering this respectful appeal.
Yours sincerely,
Davis Mac‑Iyalla
Executive Director Interfaith Diversity Network of West Africa (IDNOWA)
