True Africans are Against LGBTQ says Ghanaian MP Quayson who is ex Canadian

By Melanie Nathan, July, 29, 2025. "As a TRUE AFRICAN, I am not in favor of LGBTQ People" says Minister Designate James Gyake Quayson. "You see I was in Canada when LGBTQ was liberalized..." 'I Stood Against LGBTQ in Canada' – I would never support LGBTQ for cultural reasons, religious reasons and for the sanity of our own nation."

Quayson, the Deputy Minister-designate for Foreign Affairs and Member of Parliament for Assin North, has reaffirmed his resolute opposition to LGBTQ+ rights, grounding his position in cultural, religious, and moral convictions. During his appearance before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on July 25, 2025, Quayson emphasized that his stance reflects deeply rooted Ghanaian values and his personal beliefs, shaped over decades, including his 42 years in Canada. Quayson further elaborated, stating, “I will never support LGBTQ+ for the sanity of our own nation.” He underscored that his position aligns with traditional African values that reject same-sex relationships, which he believes are integral to Ghanaian identity and societal cohesion.

His comments come as Ghana’s Parliament continues to deliberate on the 'Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill,' which seeks to criminalize the advocacy, promotion, and funding of LGBTQ+ activities. The proposed legislation remains highly contentious, with human rights advocates warning that it could infringe on constitutional freedoms and contravene Ghana’s international human rights commitments. Quayson has been steeped in controversy. Its not surprising that he would align with wherever his loyalty served to enhance a majority perspective, in a climate where support of LGBTQ+ rights is highly politicized.

Quayson was elected as MP in the 2020 Ghana general election, taking office on 7 January 2021. His term was cut short in April 2022 following a Supreme Court ruling, but he secured the seat again in a by-election on 27 June 2023 and was sworn in on 4 July 2023.

2022, the Ghana Supreme Court declared Quayson’s 2020 election unconstitutional because he allegedly failed to prove he had renounced Canadian citizenship prior to nomination. A by-election was held after Parliament declared the seat vacant. Quayson won decisively and was sworn in again.

In April 2025, an Accra High Court acquitted and discharged him of all five criminal charges (including forgery, perjury, and false declaration) related to alleged dual citizenship. The court found that the prosecution had failed to prove dishonesty and confirmed that Quayson had already applied to renounce his Canadian citizenship prior to filing his nomination documents.