The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has been accused of engaging in a sexual relationship with a minor and sleeping with his wife’s sister by some pro-LGBTQ campaigners.
The accusations were made by Ghanaian musician Deborah Vanessa, also known as Sister Deborah, and transgender musician and activist Angel Maxine, on social media.
Sister Deborah revealed the allegations in the comments section of an Instagram video posted by @angelmaxinetv.
The video was about Angel Maxine’s threats to expose some Members of Parliament (MPs) who are involved in LGBTQ practices, if they allow the passage of the anti-LGBTQ+ bill.
Sister Deborah expressed support for Angel Maxine and claimed that the Speaker was guilty of pedophilia and incest.
“The Bagbin nu, dem say ebe minor sef he sleep with o. That’s pedophilia and that’s the real crime here,” she wrote.
Angel Maxine also repeated the allegations in the video, calling the Speaker an “old fool” and saying that his children and family should be disappointed in him.
“Alan Bagbin you are such an old fool and your children and family should be disappointed in you. You, who did incest, you who slept with your wife’s sister, even you, you are walking freely. You are not imprisoned,” she said.
The anti-gay bill, officially known as the Promotion of Appropriate Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill 2021, seeks to criminalize various aspects of homosexuality, including its promotion, advocacy, funding, and the acts themselves. The bill imposes severe penalties, with LGBTQ advocates facing up to ten years in prison, and self-identifying individuals potentially facing three years of incarceration. The bill also seeks to withhold health services, including HIV medication, from the LGBTQ community.
The primary sponsor of the bill, Sam Nartey George, argues that homosexuality is not a human right but a lifestyle choice. He warned against U.S. interference, threatening potential impacts on Ghana’s business interests.
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, strongly opposes LGBTQ practices and maintains that the bill aligns with constitutional provisions and international obligations.
However, human rights organizations, such as Rightify Ghana, contend that the bill undermines progress in HIV/AIDS efforts and constitutes a violation of basic LGBTQ rights. These concerns echo those raised by the UNAIDS program in 2021.
It’s essential to note that these claims are not verified and remain allegations from individuals who purport to have proof.