The Member of Parliament for Assin South, Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, has confirmed that the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill has been reintroduced in Parliament for consideration.
The controversial bill, which seeks to criminalize LGBTQ+ activities, advocacy, and funding, was previously passed by the 8th Parliament but did not receive presidential assent under former President Nana Akufo-Addo.
Speaking in an interview with Citi News on Thursday, February 27, Ntim Fordjour revealed that a coalition of lawmakers, religious leaders, and traditional authorities has renewed their commitment to ensuring the bill’s passage.
Ntim Fordjour emphasized that the reintroduction of the bill has received significant support from key political and religious stakeholders.
“Myself, Sam George, Hon Bedzrah, Hon Alhassan Tampuli, Hon Abdul Kabiru, Hon Ekow Vincent—we have reintroduced it, and so it is to support the speedy passage of the bill so that he [Mahama] can assent to it,” he stated.
He further called on President John Dramani Mahama, who is serving his second term in office, to sign the bill into law once passed.
The MP expressed confidence that the bill would not face significant delays in Parliament, as it remains largely unchanged from its previous version.
The bill’s reintroduction signals a renewed push by conservative lawmakers and religious groups to enforce stricter laws against LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana.
Ntim Fordjour highlighted the continued support of religious leaders and traditional authorities, stating, “The chiefs, our imams, our clergymen, and the coalition who supported us are still supporting us strongly.
The Speaker is in support, and therefore it is expected that it will be passed quickly.”
The bill’s initial failure to secure presidential approval under the previous administration was seen as a victory for LGBTQ+ rights advocates. However, with a new administration in place, the bill’s supporters are optimistic that it will soon become law.
