The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin, has disclosed that President John Dramani Mahama has given assurances that he will sign the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill into law once it is duly passed by Parliament.
According to remarks monitored by ShineMeGh.com, the Speaker indicated that the President is committed to fulfilling his constitutional role when the legislative process is completed.
Mr Bagbin explained that the President’s position is clear—he will grant assent to the bill after it has gone through all the required parliamentary procedures and is formally presented to him.
Under Ghana’s constitutional framework, a bill must be passed by Parliament before it is forwarded to the President for approval or otherwise.
The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, widely referred to as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, has remained a major subject of national discussion.
The proposed legislation has attracted strong backing from some Members of Parliament, religious organisations, and sections of the public who argue it reflects Ghanaian cultural and moral values.
However, it has also faced criticism from human rights advocates and members of the international community over concerns about its potential impact on individual freedoms.
The Speaker’s comments underscore the importance of Parliament’s role in determining the fate of the bill.
While the President’s assurance signals readiness at the executive level, the bill must first be reconsidered, debated, and passed by the current Parliament before any presidential action can take place.
The issue has gained renewed attention following earlier remarks suggesting that the bill, although important, may not be among the government’s most immediate priorities.
Mr Bagbin’s latest statement is therefore expected to reassure proponents of the bill that the legislative pathway remains open and that executive approval would not be an obstacle once parliamentary processes are concluded.
As discussions continue, stakeholders across the political, religious, and civil society space are expected to closely monitor developments in Parliament.
The eventual passage—or otherwise—of the bill will mark a significant moment in Ghana’s legislative and social policy landscape.
Story by: Philip Kendriz Elikem
