Minority demands action on Anti-LGBTQI bill, accuses Mahama of shifting stance

The Minority in Parliament has called on President John Dramani Mahama to take action on the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, accusing the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) of abandoning its strong opposition-era support for the legislation.

Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Tuesday, April 7, Assin South MP Rev. John Ntim Fordjour said the NDC had dramatically shifted its position since assuming office.

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

Rev. Ntim Fordjour further argued that the urgency once attached to the bill had dissipated, and accused the President of using evasive language when addressing international audiences while assuring Ghanaians at home of his opposition to LGBTQ+.

Henry Nana Boakye, National Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), also alleged that the NDC had “weaponised” the LGBTQ+ issue during the 2024 election campaign, involving the clergy, only to adopt a different approach in government.

The Minority’s remarks follow President Mahama’s recent statements calling for dialogue on LGBTQI-related matters and indicating that the issue is not among the country’s immediate priorities.

Speaking at a Presidential Dialogue with Civil Society Organisations at Jubilee House on March 30, President Mahama said his government remained focused on addressing Ghana’s 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.”

The President also emphasised that the matter should be resolved through constitutional and democratic processes, respecting the rule of law and Ghanaian core values.

Rev. Ntim Fordjour additionally raised concerns about the ongoing constitutional review process, warning that certain proposals could pave the way for the recognition of LGBTQ concepts within Ghana’s constitutional framework.

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

He accused the government of betraying the trust of religious and traditional leaders, who he said had been assured the bill would be treated as a priority if the NDC came into office.

President Mahama has not yet indicated when or whether he will assent to the bill, which was passed by Parliament under the previous administration.