Cape coast: Rev Canon Dr Confidence Bansah, founder of the Centre for Religion and Public Life (CRPL) and lecturer in Religion and Human Values at the University of Cape Coast, has clarified his recent remarks on the controversial LGBTQ+ debate. According to him, his views were misrepresented in a GhanaWeb publication dated April 7, 2026, titled '4 pastors who have slammed President Mahama over comments on LGBTQ+.'
According to Ghana Web, Dr Bansah stressed that his position "has consistently been rooted in governance priorities and human dignity and not partisan or personality-driven criticism." In a rejoinder on April 8, 2026, he explained that his comments questioning the prioritisation of LGBTQ+ legislation were part of a broader national conversation. He maintained that "Ghana's policy focus should be directed toward urgent socio-economic challenges such as poverty alleviation, healthcare, education and job creation, rather than being framed as an attack on President John Dramani Mahama."
Dr Bansah further highlighted that CRPL-Ghana has formally and publicly opposed the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025 in its entirety. He noted that this position directly contradicts the narrative implied by the earlier publication. In a memorandum submitted to Parliament, CRPL-Ghana described the Bill as 'grievously and deadly discriminatory' and called for its outright rejection. The organisation warned that its passage could result in widespread human rights violations, social injustice, and heightened vulnerability for already marginalised groups.
CRPL-Ghana's opposition was grounded in both constitutional principles and religious teachings. The group emphasised that the Bill undermines values of love, dignity, justice, and equality upheld in Christianity and Islam. It rejected attempts to frame LGBTQ+ issues through narrow cultural or religious lenses, stressing that Ghana's diverse society cannot be governed by a single moral interpretation.
Dr Bansah's position remains clear and consistent: reject the LGBTQ+ Bill on grounds of human rights and national cohesion, while prioritising policies that directly improve the lives of Ghanaians. His views reflect a consistent, independent, and values-driven position, one that simultaneously calls for a rejection of the controversial Bill and a more compassionate and inclusive national dialogue. The attempt to link his remarks to President Mahama's comments creates a false narrative that distorts both context and intent. Dr Bansah's stance is a call for responsible journalism and accurate representation in public discourse.