Former Deputy Minister for Education, John Ntim Fordjour, has called on President John Dramani Mahama to honor his previous commitment to the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill.
In a social media post on Friday, January 17, 2025, Ntim Fordjour reminded the President of his earlier assurances to the clergy and the Ghanaian populace regarding the bill.
The Assin South MP emphasized that President Mahama had previously expressed a strong desire to assent to the bill while in opposition.
He questioned the President’s current stance, stating, “The same President John Dramani Mahama, who stated his desire to assent to the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill in opposition, is now backtracking and reneging on his words.”
This statement comes in response to President Mahama’s recent remarks during an engagement with the Catholic Bishops Conference in Accra on January 14, 2025.
The President suggested that the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, which expired with the 8th Parliament, should be introduced as a government-sponsored initiative rather than a private member’s bill.
He also highlighted the importance of incorporating Ghanaian family values into the educational curriculum, stating, “If we’re teaching our values in school, we won’t need to pass a bill to enforce our family values.”
Ntim Fordjour expressed concern over this shift in approach, urging the President to remain consistent with his prior commitments.
He stated, “Mr President, don’t renege on your words to Clergy and Ghanaians in respect of LGBTQ matters. Don’t run away from the bill you so believed in when you were in opposition.”
The Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill has been a subject of significant debate in Ghana, drawing both domestic and international attention.