John Mahama: Anti LGBT Bill Not My Priority

President John Dramani Mahama has called for restraint and dialogue in the escalating national debate surrounding LGBTQ+ issues, describing the subject as sensitive but maintaining that it is not the country’s most pressing priority.

Speaking during a Presidential Dialogue with Civil Society Organizations at Jubilee House on Monday, March 30, the President urged stakeholders to approach the discussion with calm and respect for Ghana’s traditional values.

He emphasized that the government remains focused on addressing fundamental socio-economic challenges, such as healthcare, education, jobs, and housing.

“I explained during my recent engagement with the World Affairs Council that it is not the most important issue we face as a nation,” President Mahama stated. “We are still grappling with the provision of basic needs… Ghana will continue to uphold its democratic values while engaging constructively with the international community.”

The President noted that while the private member’s bill currently in Parliament reflects a broad range of societal views, any legislative outcome must be guided by the Constitution, human rights, and the rule of law.

However, the President’s stance has drawn sharp criticism from the opposition. On Tuesday, March 31, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, the Member of Parliament for Assin South and Ranking Member of the Defence and Interior Committee, accused the President and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) of “shamelessly denouncing” a cause they once championed for political gain.

Rev. Ntim Fordjour claimed that the NDC’s 2021 campaign heavily relied on pledges to criminalize LGBTQ+ practices through the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill. He questioned why the President is now citing “basic needs” as a reason to deprioritize the legislation.

“After deceiving Ghanaians for their votes, today President Mahama and NDC insist the LGBTQ bill is no longer their priority,” Rev. Ntim Fordjour stated in a social media post. “Didn’t he promise to introduce a government-sponsored bill to deal with LGBTQ? What changed? What a scam!”

The MP’s remarks highlight growing frustration among sections of the public and lawmakers who feel that campaign promises regarding the contentious bill are being abandoned. As the debate intensifies, Rev. Ntim Fordjour has called for immediate clarity from the government, urging that national development goals should not negate the moral and legislative commitments made to the electorate