The Minority in Parliament has intensified its calls for the immediate passage of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, accusing the government of abandoning earlier commitments and failing to reflect the priorities of the Ghanaian public.
Speaking at a press conference at Parliament House, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, Member of Parliament for Assin South, delivered a strong critique of the administration on behalf of the caucus.
Addressing journalists, Rev. Fordjour argued that the current posture of President John Dramani Mahama and his government represents a departure from promises made during the 2024 election campaign.
“They exploited the general, genuine moral concerns of Ghanaians as a stepping stone to power. Weaponize it to deceive the public, only to turn around in power to abandon the pursuits and have now deprioritized those concerns at the altar of political convenience and international appeasement”.
MP for Assin South Hon. Rev. John Ntim Fordjour
He described the shift as a form of political deception, alleging that the issue had been used to gain public support before being sidelined after assuming office. Central to the Minority’s position is the argument that government priorities should reflect the views of the majority of citizens.
Rev. Fordjour cited findings from the Afrobarometer survey conducted by the Centre for Democratic Development, which he said indicate that a significant majority of Ghanaians consider LGBTQ related practices inconsistent with societal values and religious beliefs.
He called on the President to realign his priorities with what he described as the expectations of the population. “The sovereignty resides in the people. President Mahama must realign his priorities in line with those of the people he serves,” he stated, adding that the concerns cited by government as pressing today were not absent during the election period.
According to the Minority, the administration must honour its earlier commitment to introduce a government sponsored version of the bill that addresses the issues comprehensively. Rev. Fordjour maintained that such a promise was made voluntarily and should therefore be fulfilled.
Call for Apology to Religious and Traditional Leaders
The Minority also demanded an apology from President John Dramani Mahama and the ruling National Democratic Congress to religious and traditional authorities.
Rev. Fordjour argued that the shift in approach represents a contradiction of assurances previously given to groups, including the Christian Council, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Muslim clerics, and traditional leaders.
He urged these stakeholders to sustain their advocacy for the passage of the bill and to hold the government accountable for its commitments. According to him, their engagement remains critical in shaping national discourse on the matter.
Beyond the executive, the Minority directed its appeal to Parliament, calling for swift legislative action. Rev. Fordjour urged the Majority Leader and the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, to ensure that the reintroduced bill is processed without further delay.
He expressed concern over what he described as procedural setbacks, including the removal of the bill from the order paper and delays in committee consideration. According to him, the lack of progress raises questions about the level of urgency attached to the legislation.
“Ghanaians expect the bill to be passed urgently at the earliest resumption of Parliament,” he said, adding that members who previously supported the bill should demonstrate that commitment through visible action.
Allegations of Inconsistent Policy Direction
Rev. Fordjour further accused the government of inconsistency in its handling of issues related to LGBTQ advocacy. He pointed to instances he claimed suggested a lack of enforcement or response to activities perceived as promoting such issues, raising concerns about what he described as a shift in policy direction.
He also referenced Ghana’s position in international forums, arguing that decisions taken at the global level should reflect the country’s stated values. These concerns, he said, contribute to perceptions of inconsistency between domestic assurances and external engagements.
The Minority framed its position within a broader ideological context, contrasting what it described as conservative values with alternative approaches. Rev. Fordjour emphasised that his party remains committed to principles it considers central to national identity and social cohesion.
He argued that the debate goes beyond legislation and touches on fundamental questions about culture, governance, and public accountability. While acknowledging that political parties may differ in their approaches, he maintained that commitments made to citizens must be upheld.
The press conference concluded with a renewed pledge by the Minority to continue holding the government accountable. Rev. Fordjour stated that the caucus would maintain pressure to ensure that the legislative process reflects the expectations of the public.
As the debate continues, the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill remains a focal point of political discourse, drawing attention to the intersection of governance, public opinion, and legislative responsibility in Ghana.
READ ALSO: Ghana’s Economy Safe From Post-IMF Disaster!
