The Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram, Hon. Samuel Nartey George has expressed strong sentiments on the delay in the passage of the 2024 Family Values Bill, calling it an affront to Ghana’s sovereignty and a critical matter affecting the legislative and executive arms of government.
He made these remarks while emphasizing the importance of preserving the independence and innocence of children from what he termed “cultural imperialism and neo-colonialism.” According to Hon. Sam George, the bill was passed by Parliament on February 28, 2024, but has since been held up in the judiciary.
Hon. Sam George highlighted the judicial delays as a major hindrance, singling out the Supreme Court for what he believes is an unconstitutional intervention.
He noted that three cases have been brought against the Family Values Bill, two of which are being presided over by Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.
The third case, regarding Section 104 of the Criminal Offenses Act on which the bill is based, was promptly adjudicated by Justice Ibrahim Tanko and Justice Yoni Kulendi. However, Chief Justice Torkornoo’s decision to delay her ruling has, in Hon. Sam George’s view, effectively stalled the legislative process.
“The Chief Justice was supposed to deliver judgment on the injunction petition on July 17th, [but instead], she decided not to, claiming she wanted to hear the whole case, She has deprived us and done something unconstitutional by imposing basically an injunction on Parliament.”
Hon. Samuel Nartey George, MP Ningo-Prampram Constituency
He cited the Rockson Dafamekpo case, in which the Supreme Court ruled that no constitutional body could be injuncted from carrying out its functions.
“The transmission of bills from Parliament to the President is a constitutional function in Article 106(7), and she’s effectively stopped Parliament from doing that.”
Hon. Samuel Nartey George, MP Ningo-Prampram Constituency
Criticism of Chief Justice’s Conduct
Hon. Sam George did not shy away from criticizing Chief Justice Torkornoo for her handling of the case, accusing her of going against the very principles she upheld in prior rulings. He expressed his frustration that the delay is not only affecting Parliament’s legislative role but also the President’s ability to act.
“She’s not even giving us an opportunity to have recourse, but that’s fine. She should proceed and hear the case,… we want to get a timetable from her. She cannot continue to hold us in abeyance because this case is affecting two arms of government.”
Hon. Samuel Nartey George, MP Ningo-Prampram Constituency
His plea for swift judicial action is driven by his concern that the bill’s delay is paralyzing both the executive and legislative branches. Parliament, as well as the President, is unable to fulfill their constitutional mandates due to the Chief Justice’s inaction. Sam George emphasized the need for a timeline from the judiciary to prevent further delays in addressing the matter.
No Threat to Foreign Investments or Funding
Hon. Sam George also addressed claims that the passage of the Family Values Bill could result in a loss of foreign funding.
“There is no evidence of that anywhere that Ghana will lose foreign funding. Foreign direct investment in Ghana has been declining, and foreign support for our budget is less than 3%. if we cut out corruption and the wanting dissipation of public funds we will be in a better position.”
Hon. Sam George further stated that there has been no formal communication from the IMF expressing concerns about the bill. He revealed that he had personally asked members of the IMF visiting team to clarify if they had any objections to the bill, but they had made no such comments.
“This bill was before Parliament before Ghana went into the IMF program. It went to Parliament in August of 2021, and Ghana entered the IMF program in 2023. The [IMF] said they have said no such thing.”
Hon. Samuel Nartey George, MP Ningo-Prampram Constituency
Allegations of an LGBT “Cabal”
In a passionate critique, Hon Sam George accused members of the current government and a so-called LGBT “cabal” of attempting to obstruct the passage of the bill, alleging that their motives are influenced by foreign interests.
“It is persons within government, persons who are apologists and members of the LGBT, the gay cabal in Ghana, who are pushing that agenda.”
Hon. Samuel Nartey George, MP Ningo-Prampram Constituency
Hon. Sam George took aim at Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the current NPP running mate, for allegedly attempting to introduce Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) during his tenure as Minister for Education.
“Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh led the Ministry of Education to take $28 million from a Norwegian-based LGBTQ group that was pushing the introduction of comprehensive sexuality education. These are facts.”
Hon. Samuel Nartey George, MP Ningo-Prampram Constituency
These efforts by the then minster of education according to George, was thwarted by the clergy, traditional leaders, and civil society in 2019 and 2020.
The Ugandan Example
To dispel fears of economic repercussions, Hn. Sam George cited Uganda as an example of a country that has passed even harsher anti-LGBT laws but continues to thrive economically.
He argued that Uganda’s economy is set to grow at three times the rate of Ghana’s this year, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU).
“Uganda passed their bill, and Uganda’s law is harsher than ours—it even imposes death penalties. Uganda is still thriving, and its economy is poised to grow three times [faster than] Ghana’s this year.”
Hon. Samuel Nartey George, MP Ningo-Prampram Constituency
Hon. Sam George reiterated his call for the judiciary to expedite the process and emphasized that Ghana’s sovereignty and the protection of its cultural values should remain paramount in the face of external pressures.
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