President Mahama pledges to assent to Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill if passed by Parliament

President John Dramani Mahama has stated that he will sign the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly referred to as the anti-LBGTQ Bill, if it is passed by Parliament.

He made the assurance during a courtesy call at the Presidency in Accra by the leadership of the Christian Council of Ghana, led by Vice Chairman Rev. Enoch Nii Narh Thompson, who also serves as Executive President of the Ghana Baptist Convention.

The delegation presented six national concerns for redress, including the Family Values Bill, illegal mining (galamsey), the National Cathedral, anti-corruption measures, autonomy for mission education, and the recent military recruitment tragedy.

President Mahama recalled that during the previous administration, the Family Values Bill faced legal challenges and was never submitted to the President for assent. He explained that, constitutionally, any bill not assented to before the expiration of Parliament’s term lapses and must be reintroduced.

The Speaker of Parliament has reportedly given notice that the bill will be relayed for debate.

The President emphasised his government’s stance, stating: “Marriage is between a man and a woman. A person’s gender is determined at birth. The family is the foundation of our nation. There are no questions or equivocations about what we believe.”

He affirmed alignment with the Christian Council’s position and noted that any parliamentary debate or amendments will proceed in accordance with constitutional procedure.