Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, a sponsor of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, has attributed the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) loss in the 2024 General Elections to former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s decision not to sign the anti-LGBTQ+ bill into law.
The bill, which sought to criminalise Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBTQ+) activities in Ghana, was passed by the 8th Parliament but remained unsigned when the legislature was dissolved.
Reverend Ntim Fordjour, the Member of Parliament for Assin South and a former Deputy Minister of Education, revealed that he and nine other MPs from both sides of the House have reintroduced the bill for consideration in the current Parliament.
In an interview with Citi News Parliamentary Correspondent Ayikwei Okine, Reverend Fordjour argued that the 2024 election results might have favoured the NPP if former President Akufo-Addo had approved the legislation, which enjoyed strong public support at the time.
“If former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo had been able to sign this bill, it would have served this nation a lot better, and it would have even enhanced the image of my party. And I dare say that the outcome of the election in 2024 would have been different,” he stated.
The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill proposes strict measures against LGBTQ+ activities, including custodial sentences for same-sex relationships, public displays of affection, and the promotion of LGBTQ+ content. It also seeks to prohibit transgender healthcare, dissolve LGBTQ+ organisations, and criminalise any form of support or sponsorship for such groups.
President John Dramani Mahama has expressed support for the intent of the bill but maintains that such legislation should come from the government rather than through a private member’s initiative.
If enacted, the bill would significantly broaden Ghana’s existing laws against LGBTQ+ activities and introduce tougher penalties for individuals or organisations found in violation.
Kenya and Senegal Sign Landmark Visa-Waiver Agreement to Boost Trade and Cooperation
Source:Africa Publicity
