Catholic Bishops: Moral values must align with economic priorities in Anti-LGBTQ+ debate
The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has stressed that Ghana’s pursuit of economic growth should not come at the expense of moral values, urging that both be treated as complementary in the ongoing debate over the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill.
Speaking in an interview monitored by ShineMeGh.com, Rev. Fr. Michael Quaicoe, Director of Governance, Justice and Peace at the Conference, argued that separating moral concerns from economic policy presents a misleading narrative about national development.
According to Rev. Fr. Quaicoe, true national progress depends on a balance between improving living standards and upholding societal principles.
He explained that development should not be framed as a choice between economic advancement and moral responsibility, but rather as a combination of both.
“It is not about choosing one over the other, but ensuring that both are pursued together,” he emphasized.
His remarks come as discussions intensify over the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, which has been reintroduced in Ghana’s 9th Parliament after previous efforts stalled following the 2024 general elections.
The proposed legislation—commonly referred to as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill—continues to generate strong opinions across the country.
Religious organisations, including the Catholic Church, have consistently supported the bill, arguing that it reflects Ghanaian cultural and moral values. On the other hand, human rights advocates and sections of the international community have raised concerns about its potential impact on fundamental rights.
The debate has also been shaped by comments from President John Dramani Mahama, who during a March 30 meeting with civil society groups at Jubilee House reportedly indicated that while the bill is significant, it is not among the government’s most urgent priorities.
That position has drawn mixed reactions, particularly from proponents of the bill, including some Members of Parliament, who argue that it reflects strong public support and should be fast-tracked.
Rev. Fr. Quaicoe, however, cautioned against framing the issue as a competition between economic and moral priorities. He maintained that Ghana’s development agenda should integrate both aspects to ensure sustainable and holistic progress.
He concluded that moral values remain a critical component of the country’s long-term growth and should not be sidelined in national discourse.
Story by: Philip Kendriz Elikem
