Minority calls on President Mahama to act on Anti-LGBTQI Bill

The Member of Parliament for Assin South, Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, has called on President John Dramani Mahama to act on the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, saying the government has shifted its position on the matter since assuming office.

Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Tuesday, April 7, Rev. Ntim Fordjour said the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) had moved away from its earlier stance on the bill while in opposition.

“NDC portrayed the NPP government as indecisive… but the moment they assumed power, they replaced their strong stance in opposition with rhetoric. They moved from ‘pass the bill’ to ‘manage how it is introduced and structured,’” he said.

He added that the urgency previously associated with the bill had declined.

“The urgency has already evaporated, and his certainty dissolves into procedural language when he goes to America, but tells Ghanaians at home he is against LGBTQ+,” he stated.

The National Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Henry Nana Boakye, also said the issue featured strongly in the 2024 general elections but noted a change in approach by the government.

“NDC negatively weaponised the issue of LGBTQ+ in the runup to the 2024 elections; they roped in the clergy… in government today, we are seeing something different from what they promised,” he said.

The remarks follow comments by President Mahama, who has called for dialogue on LGBTQI-related matters and indicated that the issue is not among the country’s immediate priorities.

Speaking at a Presidential Dialogue with Civil Society Organisations at the Jubilee House on March 30, the President said the government remains focused on addressing socio-economic challenges.

“I explained during my recent engagement with the World Affairs Council that it is not the most important issue we face as a nation,” he said.

“We are still grappling with the provisions of basic needs of education, health care, jobs, food, clothing, and shelter,” he added.

President Mahama also said the matter should be addressed through constitutional and democratic processes.

“While there are strong and differing views within our society, we believe that issues must be addressed through democratic processes, our core values, dialogue, and the rule of law,” he said.

Rev. Ntim Fordjour further raised concerns about the constitutional review process, saying some proposals could have implications for LGBTQI-related issues.

“These recommendations, if adopted, could open the door for the recognition of LGBTQ concepts within our constitutional framework,” he said.

“This is not just a legal matter; it is an issue that goes to the heart of our values as a nation. Embedding such provisions in the Constitution will have far-reaching consequences for our moral and cultural identity,” he added.

He also said assurances had been given to religious and traditional leaders that the bill would be prioritised.

“We were made to understand that this bill would be treated as a priority if they came into office. What we are seeing now is a clear shift, and it amounts to a betrayal of the trust reposed in them by religious and traditional leaders,” he said.