General News of Wednesday, 29 November 2017

Source: peacefmonline.com

Homosexuality Stance: I did not back Akufo-Addo - Ablakwa

Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, MP for North Tongu Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, MP for North Tongu

The Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has described as false and malicious reports that he has backed comments made by President Akufo Addo on decriminalization of homosexuality.

In a rejoinder posted on his facebook wall, Okudzeto Ablakwa said he did not describe the President's comment as 'great' within the context of international diplomacy.

"What I said clearly during the interview was to the effect that the President had a choice to make between pleasing the conservative nation he leads or pleasing the west and that it would appear the president chose the latter for reasons best known to him. I added that he would have known about the implications of his choice which is manifesting in the backlash he has since received at home," he wrote.

Read full rejoinder below

RE: "Akufo-Addo's homosexual answer great - Ablakwa"

My attention has been drawn to a Ghanaweb publication under the heading above. For the record, this reportage including its caption does not represent an accurate reflection of my interview with Asempa FM on the afternoon of Tuesday 28th November, 2017.

The said publication is not only unfair, false, mischievous and unprofessional, it is most malicious.

I refuse to be used as a pawn in promoting any homosexual agenda.

I believe those who have triggered the homosexuality debate are more than capable of achieving whatever ends they seek without requiring the minutest of assistance from me.

What I said clearly during the interview was to the effect that the President had a choice to make between pleasing the conservative nation he leads or pleasing the west and that it would appear the president chose the latter for reasons best known to him. I added that he would have known about the implications of his choice which is manifesting in the backlash he has since received at home.

I must also add that contrary to this malicious report, at no point during the Asempa FM interview did I allude to the diplomatic community praising President Akufo-Addo for his comments - I am not the spokesperson for the diplomatic community in Ghana.

May I appeal to Asempa FM and the Multimedia Group to make the audio of my interview available for the benefit of all.