'This is a breach of trust' — Ntim Fordjour slams NDC over amendments to anti-gay bill
Co-sponsor of the newly passed Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, has criticised the National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration over amendments made to the legislation before its passage.
Parliament approved the bill on Friday, May 29, after extensive deliberations on the floor of the House.
The legislation criminalises LGBTQ+ activities, advocacy and related conduct while introducing exemptions for legal representation, academic work, public health programmes, medical and counselling services, journalism, and other protected activities.
The amendments have generated political debate, with some members of the Minority arguing that they weaken provisions contained in the version passed by the Eighth Parliament in 2024.
Addressing a press conference on Monday, June 1, Reverend Ntim Fordjour accused the NDC of departing from its previous position on the legislation.
“NDC were very forceful in 2024. Ghanaians were told that the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill required only presidential assent. Indeed, NDC were very forceful in joining those calls. All that was needed was presidential assent and the country was urged to pressure President Akufo-Addo to sign the bill immediately,” he said.
He argued that instead of signing the legislation in its original form, substantial changes were made before it was reintroduced and passed by Parliament.
“Original provisions from the bill had to be deleted, redrafted and 31 insertions made before President Mahama would have it and desire it to sign. They did not say NDC will come and amend that bill, NDC will come and review that bill, NDC will come and delete provisions from that bill and redraft it before we sign. That is a scam, and that is a breach of trust, that is deception and that is hypocrisy,” Reverend Ntim Fordjour stated.
The lawmaker stressed that the NDC's campaign-era commitment was centred on signing the bill and not revising it.