L-R Rev. Ntim Fordjour and John Mahama
The Member of Parliament for Assin South, Reverend Ntim Fordjour, has stated emphatically that the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) will suffer a humiliating defeat in the 2028 elections if President John Dramani Mahama fails to assent to the controversial Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill—commonly referred to as the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill.
According to the reverend minister and politician, any president who treats the bill lightly—even if they are not seeking re-election—risks jeopardizing the electoral fortunes of their party.
Speaking in an interview with media personality Kafui Dey in a video shared on YouTube, Reverend Ntim Fordjour, one of the eight parliamentarians who initially sponsored the bill, emphasized that LGBTQ+ issues are a significant influence on political behavior in Ghana and other countries. For this reason, he argued, the bill should not be taken lightly.
He stressed that the NDC would be making a grave political miscalculation if President Mahama fails to sign the bill into law, especially after having publicly expressed his disapproval of LGBTQ+ activities.
“If he doesn’t sign it, it will be the Ghanaian people who show him the red card and register their disagreement. Any president who jokes with this bill—even if you’re not running again—jeopardizes the fortunes of your own party because it is such a politically sensitive issue. The 6.3 million votes the NDC secured—93% of that support—could turn into anger if this bill is mishandled. That is what the 2021 CDD Afrobarometer survey reflects,” he said.
“So if you’re a political figure and your personal ambitions are not your priority, think about the fortunes of your party and handle this bill wisely. If President Mahama does not sign the bill, the NDC will lose miserably in 2028. Any credible political poll will likely support the CDD’s position in the 2021 Afrobarometer survey. LGBTQ+ issues play a significant role in shaping political behavior—not just in Ghana but in many other countries. That is why any president who cares about their party’s future cannot afford to joke with this bill,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has announced that the controversial Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill is set to be reintroduced for its first reading during the second meeting of the Ninth Parliament.
The proposed legislation seeks to criminalize LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana, as well as the promotion, advocacy, or funding of such activities.
Bagbin made the announcement during his opening remarks to mark the official commencement of Parliament’s second meeting.
“Three private members’ bills—the Property Rights of Spouses Bill 2025, the Constitution of the Republic of Ghana Amendment Bill 2025, and the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill 2025—have completed the required processes under the Standing Orders and are expected to be presented for a first reading during this meeting,” he stated.
The bill, which has generated intense national and international debate, was previously passed by the Eighth Parliament. However, it failed to receive presidential assent under former President Nana Akufo-Addo’s administration and therefore did not become law.
With its reintroduction, the bill is expected to spark renewed discussions on human rights, constitutional freedoms, and Ghana’s cultural values. Parliament is now poised to begin deliberations on what remains one of the most polarizing pieces of legislation in the country’s recent history.
KA
