The Member of Parliament of Assin South Constituency and Co-Sponsor of the Anti LGBTQ Bill, Honourable John Ntim Fordjour has welcomed the decision by the Speaker of Parliament to have the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill reconsidered, calling the move, a necessary step towards building national consensus and ensuring the legislation withstands legal scrutiny.
Honourable Fordjour explained that the Speaker’s proposal offers an opportunity to address issues surrounding the bill and strengthen public confidence in its final form. He indicated that a broad review process would help produce legislation capable of securing overwhelming public acceptance while limiting the risk of legal challenges that could delay its progress.
“The call for Parliament to reconsider the bill and build consensus around its provisions is a good one. The final product must carry credibility, enjoy wide acceptance and avoid loopholes that can create legal tussles and halt its transmission.”
Honourable John Ntim Fordjour
The Assin South MP argued that Parliamentarians should place national interest above party considerations when dealing with legislation that affects the future of the country. He stressed that elected officials are entrusted with representing all citizens, including those who do not belong to any political party.
Furthermore, Honourable Fordjour noted that laws passed by the Parliament become part of the country’s governance framework and should therefore imitate the aspirations of the wider population. He added that political affiliations should not determine the direction of major national policies.
He singled out the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill as one of the most important pieces of legislation before Parliament. In his view, the subject touches directly on family life, cultural traditions and social values that many citizens regard as fundamental to national identity.
He therefore urged members of both the New Patriotic Party and the National Democratic Congress to approach the matter with a common purpose. The MP observed that reducing the debate to partisan competition could undermine efforts to secure a durable and widely respected legal basis.
Additionally, Honourable Fordjour argued that the bill should be examined through a national perspective and refined through dialogue among all relevant stakeholders. He expressed confidence that a consensus driven process would strengthen the legislation and improve its legitimacy.
He added that any effort aimed at ensuring the bill is fit for purpose and capable of achieving its objectives deserves support.
Procedural Concerns Renew Calls For Bill Review
The Member of Parliament for Assin South, Honourable Rev. John Ntim Fordjour disputed suggestions that the legislative process was free of challenges. He indicated that several issues emerged during consideration of the bill and deserve attention before any final action is taken.
The Assin South MP recalled that concerns regarding parliamentary procedures has attracted national attention and informed discussions at the highest levels of government. He stated that matters relating to quorum and other procedural requirements have been raised publicly and require careful examination.
“The Speaker himself has admitted that there were procedural errors, and that a number of actions taken during the process compromised its integrity. Members of the public who followed the passage of the bill have raised various concerns, and some are already threatening legal action over quorum issues that could halt the bill.”
Honourable John Ntim Fordjour
The Assin South MP also rejected claims by Honourable Mahama Ayariga that no procedural errors occurred during the passage of the bill. Honourable Fordjour argued that procedural concerns did exist and said the Speaker’s call for reconsideration is evidence that the issues require attention. He further highlighted the President’s speech in London.
“The President himself was briefed and, whilst in London, indicated that he had received communication regarding concerns and challenges with the bill. One issue relates to quorum, while the other concerns procedural errors and challenges, which he understands the Speaker is seeking to address by engaging the country through a statement aimed at finding a way to resolve and correct them.”
Honourable John Ntim Fordjour
Moreover, Honourable Fordjour warned that legislation passed amid unresolved disputes could face prolonged legal battles. Such developments, he noted, could frustrate efforts to establish an effective legal work on the issue.
The Co-Sponsor of the Bill stated that many Ghanaians are interested in the quality and effectiveness of the law. In his assessment, public expectations centre on legislation that can address concerns surrounding LGBTQ activities while remaining enforceable and procedurally sound.
He therefore advocated for a wider stakeholder engagement before Parliament proceeds with a final decision. The MP explained that consultations could help remove tensions surrounding the legislation and build confidence in the outcome.
Honourable Fordjour reiterated that Parliament possesses the authority to revisit its own processes whenever necessary. He stressed that lawmakers should use that opportunity to produce legislation that is credible, legally secure and capable of meeting the expectations of the Ghanaian people.
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