By Charles Amponsah
The President, John Dramani Mahama, has reiterated his belief in traditional gender and family values, stating that only two genders—man and woman—exist and that marriage is between a man and a woman.
Speaking at a special fellowship with the clergy, the President announced that he had engaged with the Speaker of Parliament to ensure that a renewed Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill is introduced as a government-sponsored bill rather than a private member’s motion.
“I have spoken with the Speaker so that a renewal of the expired Proper Families Values Bill should be introduced by government. It is my hope that consultations will see a renewed bill,” he stated on Friday, February 28, 2025.
His remarks follow ongoing debates on LGBTQ+ rights and family values in Ghana, with the proposed Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill aimed at criminalising activities related to LGBTQ+ advocacy and promotion.
In 2024, Amnesty International warned that the bill “poses significant threats to the fundamental rights and freedoms” of LGBTQ+ people.
Activists fear there will now be witch hunts against members of the LGBTQ+ community and those who campaign for their rights and say some will have to go into hiding.
But President Mahama stressed that his leadership would reflect the aspirations of Ghanaians, particularly on social and moral issues.
He reaffirmed his commitment to upholding Christian principles and values, aligning them with his governance approach.
During his address, the President also expressed gratitude for the prayers and support of religious leaders.
He pledged to work with the church and faith-based institutions to foster national unity, development, and moral uprightness.
