Proponents and Religious Leaders Urge Swift Action on Ghana's Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill

Key sponsors and religious bodies in Ghana are intensifying pressure on the executive and legislature to prioritize the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly referred to as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill. This surge in advocacy follows recent remarks by President John Dramani Mahama, who suggested that while the legislation is significant, it is not among the government’s most immediate national priorities, such as economic stability and healthcare. However, proponents of the bill argue that moral integrity, family values, and child protection are urgent issues that must be addressed alongside economic concerns.

Samuel Nartey George, the MP for Ningo-Prampram and a lead sponsor of the bill, has strongly rejected the notion that the government cannot handle multiple priorities at once. George emphasized that the bill is integral to his mandate and cited recent child protection concerns as evidence of the legislation's urgency. He has warned of potential public agitation and protests if the President chooses not to sign the bill once it clears parliamentary hurdles. Echoing this sentiment, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, the MP for Assin South, has called for an end to further consultations. Fordjour argues that after a decade of debate, public hearings, and legal scrutiny, the bill is ready for passage and that further delays only serve the interests of external pressure groups.

The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) has also contributed to the discourse, asserting that moral values and economic development are not competing interests but are inextricably linked. The bishops maintain that stable family structures are essential for social and economic progress and have urged President Mahama to honor his pledge to assent to the bill once it is passed. While the GCBC advocates for a respectful national dialogue and condemns discrimination, they remain firm in their support for the bill's protection of traditional marriage. This call for ethical leadership was further mirrored by Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, who emphasized that true authority for those in power lies in discipline, accountability, and upholding high moral standards.

Currently, the bill remains in the legislative and legal process, including a journey through the Supreme Court. Advocates continue to call for a non-partisan approach, urging political leaders to prioritize national interest over partisan maneuvering. As the bill moves toward its final stages in Parliament, the debate continues to polarize the nation, reflecting a deep-seated tension between traditional values and international human rights critiques. The next steps will depend on the speed of parliamentary action and the eventual executive response once the final bill is presented for assent.