Prioritise LGBTQ bill — Rev. Opuni to Mahama

Rev. Dr. Kwabena Opuni‑Frimpong has urged President John Dramani Mahama to prioritise the LGBTQ Bill, describing it as an urgent national matter requiring immediate attention.

Speaking on Adom FM, which was monitored by today.com.gh, the lecturer in African Christianity at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and former General Secretary of the Christian Council of Ghana, said the issue transcends politics and must be treated as a “matter of the heart” for the country.

He reacted to the President’s recent statement that the bill was not currently a top priority, stressing that Ghana’s leader must honour the trust Ghanaians placed in him by taking decisive action.

“For the sake of trust and confidence that Ghanaians had in him, the President must make the LGBTQ Bill a priority and honour his promise to Ghanaians,” Rev. Opuni‑Frimpong said.

He also reminded the public that while in opposition, President Mahama had been critical of the previous administration under Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo‑Addo for delaying action on the bill. “The President must now follow through on what he advocated for before assuming office,” he added.

Rev. Opuni‑Frimpong noted that the National Democratic Congress (NDC), prior to the elections, assured citizens that passing the bill would be straightforward if given the mandate. He urged the President to honour that commitment, including his pledge not to hesitate in assenting to the bill if Parliament approves it.

He emphasised that the government must also consider Ghana’s cultural values and norms, stressing that the matter “reflects the broader sentiments of many Ghanaians.”

Since resuming office in January 2025, President Mahama has faced scrutiny over the LGBTQ Bill. In recent months, he has publicly indicated that the bill is not an immediate priority, drawing criticism for seeming to delay action.

While in opposition, Mahama had repeatedly questioned the previous government’s delays and called for swift legislative action. Critics argue that the current hesitation conflicts with those earlier statements, generating debate among religious leaders, civil society actors, and political stakeholders. The bill remains before Parliament, with calls for urgent consideration continuing across multiple sectors.