Mahama’s Delayed Support for Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill Draws Fire from Lawmaker

Ghanaian lawmaker Rev. Ntim Fordjour has publicly criticized President John Mahama’s hesitation to endorse a controversial anti-LGBTQ+ bill, accusing him of abandoning earlier commitments to uphold what Fordjour calls “proper family values.”

The backlash follows Mahama’s recent suggestion that his administration might pursue a government-sponsored version of the legislation rather than backing a revived private member’s bill already before Parliament.

Fordjour, the Assin North MP, slammed the president’s pivot during an interview on Starr FM, calling it “scandalous” and inconsistent. “The same bill, unchanged, was reintroduced, yet Mahama now claims he doesn’t support a private member’s bill on this issue. Where is the principle?” he argued, citing a 2021 Afrobarometer survey where 93% of Ghanaians reportedly opposed LGBTQ+ rights.

The Proper Family Values Bill, which seeks to criminalize same-sex relationships and advocacy, initially lapsed when Parliament dissolved in 2022. Its reintroduction has reignited fierce debate, pitting conservative religious groups against human rights advocates who warn it could incite violence and isolate Ghana internationally. Mahama’s proposed alternative—a government-drafted bill—has done little to placate critics like Fordjour, who view the move as a stalling tactic. “Where is the timeline for this new bill? This is evasion, not leadership,” Fordjour charged.

The president’s cautious approach reflects the political tightrope he walks. While aligning with Ghana’s influential religious bloc could bolster his support base, endorsing harsh anti-LGBTQ+ measures risks backlash from global partners and activists. During a February meeting with clergy, Mahama pledged to engage Parliament Speaker Alban Bagbin on the issue but offered no concrete steps, further fueling skepticism.

Fordjour’s outcry underscores broader tensions in a nation where conservative values often clash with calls for progressive reforms. Ghana’s LGBTQ+ community, already facing widespread discrimination, now confronts heightened uncertainty as lawmakers debate their legal status. Meanwhile, the delay has drawn mixed reactions: some see it as strategic pragmatism, others as capitulation.

As pressure mounts, Mahama’s next move will test his ability to balance domestic sentiment with international obligations. For now, the bill’s fate—and Ghana’s reputation as a democracy grappling with human rights—hangs in the balance.