The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has cautioned government and other political leaders against trivialising national discussions on family values, stressing that moral issues tied to identity and social structure remain critical to the country’s development.
In a pastoral and public statement released on Friday, April 10, the Conference expressed concern over recent remarks attributed to President John Dramani Mahama and Minister of State for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, suggesting that LGBTQ+ matters are not among Ghana’s most pressing concerns.
The bishops warned that such commentary risks sending a signal that deeply held moral and cultural questions are insignificant, despite their importance to many Ghanaians.
While acknowledging the urgency of addressing economic challenges, the Conference emphasised that development cannot be driven by economic policies alone. It argued that societal values play a foundational role in national progress, describing them as the “invisible architecture” that sustains stable societies.
Rejecting any attempt to separate economic growth from moral responsibility, the bishops insisted that both must advance together. They pointed to global evidence indicating that strong family systems are linked to better educational outcomes, reduced crime rates and improved economic opportunities.
“The family, in quiet ways, is a nation’s most efficient social welfare system,” the statement said, warning that undermining its moral basis could have long-term consequences for national development.
The Conference further noted that issues surrounding marriage, sexuality and family life continue to resonate widely across Ghanaian society, cutting across religious, cultural and civic spheres. According to the bishops, these matters are central—not peripheral—to the country’s identity and social cohesion.
Reaffirming its stance, the bishops defined family values as grounded in marriage between a man and a woman, focused on mutual support and the nurturing of children. They described the family as the primary institution for shaping character and fostering civic responsibility.
At the same time, the Conference underscored the importance of respecting the dignity of all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation or identity. It strongly condemned acts of violence, hatred and discrimination, describing them as moral failures that must not be tolerated.
According to the bishops, safeguarding human dignity and preserving the institution of the family are complementary goals that must be pursued together to build a just and balanced society.
On the ongoing debate surrounding the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, the Conference urged President Mahama to honour his earlier commitment to assent to the legislation if it is duly passed by Parliament in accordance with constitutional provisions.
However, the bishops acknowledged concerns raised about certain aspects of the bill and called for careful scrutiny to ensure that any final law aligns with both the moral convictions of Ghanaians and the protection of fundamental rights.
They also appealed for a more respectful tone in national discourse, cautioning that dismissive language could alienate sections of the population for whom the issue carries deep significance.
“The tone of our discourse matters as much as its content,” the statement noted, urging stakeholders—including government, Parliament, religious leaders, traditional authorities and civil society—to engage constructively.
The bishops concluded by highlighting what they described as a defining moment for the country, where economic ambition intersects with moral identity. They called for wisdom, justice and compassion in navigating the debate, reaffirming the Church’s commitment to promoting dialogue and national unity.
