Act on anti-LGBTQ bill now – Ntim Fordjour to Mahama

Pressure is mounting on President John Dramani Mahama to act on the anti-LGBTQ bill, following concerns raised by Assin South MP, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour.

At a press conference in Accra on Tuesday, the legislator accused the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) of retreating from its earlier commitment to the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill. According to him, the party’s current approach in government marks a clear departure from its firm position 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 further argued that the momentum that once drove public discourse on the bill has weakened considerably, raising doubts about the government’s resolve.

“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 debate has also drawn reactions from within the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP). Its National Organiser, Henry Nana Boakye, said the issue played a central role in the 2024 elections but noted what he described as a shift in tone by the current administration.

“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.

However, President Mahama has maintained that LGBTQI-related matters do not rank among the country’s most pressing priorities at the moment. Speaking at a Presidential Dialogue with Civil Society Organisations at the Jubilee House on March 30, he pointed to more urgent national concerns.

“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.

He also indicated that the issue should be handled through established democratic channels, emphasising consultation and adherence to the rule of law.

“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, however, warned that developments within the constitutional review process could have broader implications if not carefully considered.

“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 further claimed that prior assurances had been given to key stakeholders, including religious and traditional leaders, that the bill would be treated as a priority under the current administration.

“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.