Why Ntim Fordjour Must Resign After Losing Public Trust

In every functioning democracy, public office is inseparable from public trust. The moment a minister or high‑ranking official becomes embroiled in a scandal that compromises the integrity of the office, the honorable thing to do is to step aside, at least temporarily, so that the institution remains untainted. This is not merely a Western standard; it is a universal principle of governance.

Yet in Africa, and particularly in Ghana, political culture has normalized the opposite; officials cling to office even when their continued presence erodes public confidence. The ongoing controversy involving the member of Parliament for Assin South, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, is a clear example of why this culture must change.

The scandal began when transgender musician and activist Angel Maxine publicly alleged that she had a sexual relationship with the so-called man of God. Fordjour has vehemently denied the claim, insisting he has never met her. His lawyers issued a formal notice demanding that Maxine retract her statements and apologize within seven days, describing the allegations as defamatory and damaging to his reputation.

Instead of backing down, Maxine responded forcefully, declaring, “I’m not sorry," and refusing to retract her claims. She argues that the MP’s aggressive legal response demonstrates precisely how Ghana’s proposed anti‑LGBTQ+ bill, of which Fordjour is a vocal supporter, can be weaponized to intimidate and silence individuals.

Regardless of where one stands on the truth of the allegations, the scandal has already reached a point where the credibility of the office Fordjour occupies is compromised. A Member of Parliament is not merely a political figure; he is a symbol of moral leadership for millions of young Ghanaians.

When such a figure becomes the center of a national controversy involving sexual misconduct allegations, the office itself becomes overshadowed. In countries where governance standards are taken seriously, officials resign not because they are guilty, but because the dignity of the office must be protected above personal interest.

Moreover, Fordjour’s prominent role in advocating for the anti‑LGBTQ+ bill places this scandal in an even more sensitive context. The bill has already drawn intense international scrutiny, with critics arguing that it threatens human rights and could be used to persecute vulnerable groups.

Maxine’s refusal to retract her claims and her argument that the MP’s reaction proves the bill’s potential for abuse creates a direct conflict between Fordjour’s public advocacy and the public perception of his personal conduct. Whether the allegations are true or false, the contradiction is damaging. It weakens his moral authority and undermines the legitimacy of the legislative agenda he supports.

The legal battle itself is another reason resignation is necessary. A public official entangled in a high‑profile court case can’t fully focus on national duties. The scandal will dominate media cycles, distract from governance, and consume time and resources. It is unacceptable for a Member of Parliament to be preoccupied with defending his personal reputation while the sector he oversees demands full attention.

There is also the matter of Ghana’s international image. At a time when the country is under global observation for its stance on LGBTQ+ rights, a scandal of this nature involving a key supporter of the bill risks reinforcing negative perceptions. It feeds narratives of political hypocrisy and intolerance, which can affect diplomatic relations, foreign investment, and the country’s standing in global human rights discussions.

Ghana can’t afford such reputational damage, especially when it is avoidable. If Fordjour remains in office, the consequences extend beyond the present moment. It sends a message to future generations that accountability is optional, that public office is a personal entitlement rather than a public trust, and that leaders can weather any scandal simply by refusing to step aside. This is not the example Ghana needs.

Young people must see that leadership comes with responsibility and that integrity matters more than political survival. Resignation, in this context, is not an admission of guilt. It is an act of respect for the office, for the nation, and for the democratic values Ghana claims to uphold. It allows due process to unfold without compromising governance, and it protects the credibility of the institutions that serve the people.

Most importantly, it restores the principle that no individual, no matter how powerful, is above the standards of public accountability. Ghana deserves leaders who understand that public trust is sacred, and for that reason, and for the sake of the nation’s integrity, John Ntim Fordjour must step aside.

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