Accra: The Minority Caucus in Parliament has expressed dissatisfaction over the alleged removal of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly referred to as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, from the Order Paper of Parliament. The bill aims to criminalize same-sex relationships, uphold Ghanaian cultural values, and limit gay activities in the country.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Order Paper lists activities proposed for debate by members of Parliament on a given day or week. Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, the NPP Member of Parliament for Assin South and a sponsor of the bill, accused the NDC government of avoiding the passage of the bill into law by allegedly removing it from the Order Paper.
The Minority Caucus emphasized that the bill had completed all necessary parliamentary procedures and had been reviewed and gazetted by the Attorney General’s Office. As such, they argued that it was ready for referral to the Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee. The group insisted that Parliament’s leadership should include the bill for its first reading.
Reverend Ntim Fordjour also cited a survey indicating that 93 percent of Ghanaians support the bill. Initially introduced during the Eighth Parliament by MPs Sam Nartey George and Ntim Fordjour, the bill has sparked debate. Supporters believe it will preserve Ghana’s cultural identity, while opponents argue it could infringe on the rights of gay individuals and damage Ghana’s international reputation.
Although the bill was passed during the Eighth Parliament, it was not signed into law by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.