The president of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, has assured his assent to the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, otherwise known as the LGBTQ bill.
At a meeting with the Christian Council of Ghana, the president emphasized his government’s position on the bill as that which aligns with the position of the Christian Council.
He recounted the history of the bill and the matters surrounding it, noting that it has to be relayed by parliament in the current parliament.
The bill was first introduced and laid in parliament by ten members of Parliament as a private members’ bill in 2021.
Gaining wide support from traditional leaders, religious leaders, and civil society groups, the bill received wide support from the general public.
Several amendments were made to the first content of the bill with contributions from religious leaders and traditional leaders.
As the president recounted, the bill was finally passed by parliament in February 2024.
Even though parliament had passed the bill, it could not be forwarded to the president for assent, as it faced legal challenges.
“You are all aware of what happened the last time during the past administration. There was a legal tussle, and somebody filed an injunction against Parliament to injunct the Speaker from forwarding the bill to the President for assent.”
His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana
He noted that given this legal situation, the bill was never submitted to the president for assent.
He further explained that, under the Constitution, any bill that is not assented to by the President before the expiration of the life of Parliament automatically lapses.
This constitutional requirement ensures that unfinished legislative business does not carry over into a new Parliament without renewed scrutiny.
He stated that the bill will have to be reintroduced and re-laid by parliament for it to go through the required processes.
He also stated that the Speaker of Parliament has given notice that he will allow the bill to be relayed.
The president further emphasized that he is well aware of Ghanaian family values and will always uphold these values as they are.
“If you want the position of my government, marriage is between a man and a woman; a person’s gender is determined at birth. And then also that the family is a foundation of our nation.”
His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana
He further emphasized that this is the position of his government, adding that “there are no questions or equivocations about what we believe.”
“I believe that we are completely aligned with the Christian Council in terms of your belief, and so we agree with the Speaker to relay the bill and let Parliament.”
His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana
He noted that he agrees with the Speaker to relay the bill and allow Parliament to fully debate its provisions.
The president noted that through that process, members will have the opportunity to propose amendments or adjustments where necessary.
He emphasized that when it comes to his assent, he is fully committed to signing the bill once parliament passes it.
“If the Parliament of the people of Ghana endorses the bill and votes on it and passes it and it comes to me as President, I will sign it.”
His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana
Some have raised concerns with regard to possible negative reactions from the external world, especially with Ghana’s bilateral and business partners.
Similar sentiments came up in 2024 when the bill was passed by parliament. The Ministry of Finance then gave estimates of what Ghana could lose in terms of external financial support.
With President Mahama’s assurance to the Christian Council of Ghana and the general public, it remains to be seen what happens when the bill finally becomes law.
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