A leading sponsor of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, Rev. Ntim Fordjour, is calling on President John Dramani Mahama to take decisive action to accelerate the passage of the controversial legislation.
Speaking in an interview monitored by ShineMeGh.com, the Assin South MP argued that the President has already demonstrated the authority to influence parliamentary proceedings and should apply the same urgency to the bill if it is considered important.
Rev. Fordjour pointed to a recent development involving a proposed private member’s bill aimed at removing the Special Prosecutor. According to him, the swift withdrawal of that process—following a directive from the President—shows that the executive can act quickly when needed.
He believes a similar directive could be issued to Parliament to fast-track the anti-LGBTQ+ bill.
“If the President considers it a priority, he can direct that it be treated with urgency and passed without delay,” he suggested.
The legislator emphasized that the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill does not require significant revisions, as it has already gone through earlier stages.
Describing it as an existing bill, he argued that Parliament has the capacity to expedite its passage without starting the process afresh.
He further noted that since January 2025, Parliament has fast-tracked dozens of bills—some reportedly passed on the same day they were introduced—demonstrating its ability to act swiftly when necessary.
Rev. Fordjour’s comments come in response to recent remarks from President Mahama, who indicated during a March 30 engagement with civil society groups that although the bill is important, it is not among the government’s immediate priorities.
That position has also been echoed by government spokesperson Kachupusu, who reiterated that the legislation is currently not high on the administration’s agenda.
The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill continues to generate intense national and international debate, with supporters advocating for its passage on cultural and moral grounds, while critics raise concerns about human rights implications.
Despite the differing views, Rev. Fordjour insists that the bill deserves urgent attention and has urged the President to take a clear and decisive stance to move the process forward.
Story by: Philip Kendriz Elikem
