Assin South Member of Parliament (MP) Rev. John Ntim Fordjour has criticized President John Mahama for reconsidering his stance on the Proper Sexual Human Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, 2021, commonly referred to as the Anti-LGBTQ+ bill.
Rev. Fordjour stated that the controversial bill played a pivotal role in the 2024 elections and significantly influenced the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) performance.
He noted that Mahama’s campaign promise to sign the bill contributed to his electoral success, and Ghanaians expect him to fulfill that commitment without delay.
“It is shocking that just six days after taking office, Mahama is telling the Catholic Bishops that the bill is no longer necessary. This is a clear betrayal of the promises he made to Ghanaians,” Rev. Fordjour said in an interview with Okay FM.
His comments follow President Mahama’s recent proposal to reintroduce the bill as a government-sponsored initiative rather than proceeding with the current private member’s bill. Speaking during a meeting with the Catholic Bishops Conference in Accra on January 14, 2025, President Mahama explained that a government-backed bill would ensure broader national consensus and legitimacy.
However, Rev. Fordjour, one of the bill’s key promoters, firmly opposed this shift, warning that failure to sign the bill could damage Mahama’s credibility.
“If he refuses to sign the bill and instead shifts focus to a curriculum-based approach, Ghanaians will judge him accordingly. The NPP will continue to push for this bill to become law,” he declared.
Rev. Fordjour also emphasized the Supreme Court’s ruling that the bill does not violate individual rights, affirming its constitutionality. He further stated that the bill, developed through extensive stakeholder consultations, would be reintroduced in Parliament if the President fails to assent.
“The NPP has always maintained its position on this issue. Even Dr. Bawumia, as Vice President, affirmed he would sign the bill if elected President. Now, Mahama, with a majority in Parliament, wants to backtrack. Ghanaians will not accept this,” he concluded.
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