The Member of Parliament for Assin South, Honourable John Ntim Fordjour, has questioned the changes made to the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, arguing that the current version differs significantly from the one widely supported by Ghanaians in 2024.

Addressing a press conference on behalf of the Minority Caucus, the Assin South MP questioned the shift in political commitment towards the legislation. He said the central issue before the nation was whether Ghana’s values have changed between 2024 and 2026.

The Politician noted that public support for the bill has always been strong ever since it was first introduced in Parliament. He indicated that many Ghanaians expected the legislation to receive presidential assent without substantial alterations.

Honourable Fordjour recalled that political leaders and supporters of the National Democratic Congress previously joined calls for immediate approval of the bill. He stated that pressure was mounted on the former President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo to sign the legislation after Parliament passed it.

He argued that expectations changed after the bill was reintroduced under the current administration. Honourable Ntim Fordjour contended that the legislation has now undergone extensive revisions before it was considered for assent.

“In 2024, Ghanaians were told that the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill required only presidential assent. That was all that Ghanaians said they needed. Indeed, NDC were very forceful in joining those calls, that all that was needed was presidential assent. Today, the same bill has gone through deletions, insertions and major amendments before reaching this stage.”
Honourable John Ntim Fordjour

The Assin South MP stated that 22 provisions were removed while 31 new insertions were made to the bill. He suggested that such modifications have altered the character of the legislation that Parliament originally approved.

Furthermore, Honourable Fordjour questioned why a bill that was once presented as ready for assent requires extensive restructuring before being submitted again. He said the Minority Caucus believed the public deserves a clear explanation regarding the developments.

The Politician stressed that the debate was not solely about politics. He explained that it centered on consistency, public trust and respect for commitments made to the electorate.

He also argued that the original bill demonstrated strongly the values many citizens expected Parliament and the Executive to uphold. Therefore, he said any major departure from its earlier form requires justification.

Consequently, Honourable Fordjour said that the Minority would continue to seek answers concerning the amendments. He added that the caucus is committed to ensuring transparency on matters of national importance and public interest.

Questions Rise Over Bill Revisions And Legislative Direction

The Member of Parliament for Assin South, Honourable John Ntim Fordjour, accused the government of departing from commitments previously made regarding the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, insisting that the revised legislation no longer carries the same provisions approved by Parliament in 2024.

The Assin South MP argued that campaign messages presented to voters focused on signing the bill in its existing form. He said the public was never informed that the legislation would be amended extensively before receiving presidential assent.

He called it a strategy to earn votes and acceptance from the Ghanaians. He also accused the current administration of playing with Ghanaians.

“Vote for me, and I will come and sign the bill.” Across all their platforms, they said, Vote the NPP out because they will not sign the bill. Vote for the NDC, and the NDC will come and sign that bill. They did not say the NDC would come and amend the bill. They did not say the NDC would come and review the bill. They did not say the NDC would come and remove provisions from the bill and redraft it.”
Honourable John Ntim Fordjour

Honourable Fordjour questioned what informed the change in approach after President John Dramani Mahama assumed office. He suggested that a measure considered ready for assent under former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo should have remained unchanged if confidence in its provisions has been maintained.

He further clarified that the Minority Caucus supported the objective of the legislation and respected Parliament’s constitutional authority to enact laws. The Assin South MP explained that the concern centers on the effectiveness of the revised bill and its ability to achieve the goals originally outlined.

According to him, existing laws under the Criminal and Other Offences Act already criminalised same sex marriage and related conduct. As a result, he argued that the principal objective of the private member’s bill was to address promotion, advocacy, sponsorship and activities perceived to encourage LGBT practices.

The Politician asserted that the original legislation introduced stronger deterrent measures against such activities. He claimed that several amendments have weakened provisions that many supporters regarded as essential.

Honourable Fordjour said the Minority intends to present evidence supporting its position. He added that the caucus would continue scrutinising the amendments while demanding explanations for the changes introduced before the bill reached its final stage.