President John Dramani Mahama has called for calm and constructive engagement in the LGBTQ+ conversation surrounding.
Speaking during a presidential dialogue with civil society organizations at the Jubilee House on Monday, John Dramani Mahama described discussions around the LGBTQ+ bill as highly sensitive and deeply emotional, even in countries with long-standing liberal traditions.
He urged Ghanaians and all stakeholders to approach the LGBTQ+ bill debate with restraint, mutual respect, and a commitment to Ghana’s core values.
According to the President, while the LGBTQ+ bill remains an important national issue, it is not the most urgent challenge currently facing the country.
NDC: LGBTQ+ bill will be presented at the right time
Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Jones Apenteng, speaking on the orange sunrise expressed confidence that the LGBTQ+ bill will be addressed when the timing aligns with government priorities.
He explained that the process will involve Parliament and ultimately the president, who will decide on assent.
“At the right time, the LGBTQ+ bill will be put before Parliament and forwarded to the President for assent,” he stated.
NPP responds to LGBTQ+ bill debate
Communications Officer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Agyenim Boateng, says he is not surprised by the government’s current position on the LGBTQ+ bill.
He recalled earlier debates during the previous administration of John Dramani Mahama, suggesting that conversations around the LGBTQ+ bill have been ongoing for years and have taken different turns.
According to him, the issue has at times been politicized. He defended accusations regarding former President Nana Akufo-Addo, clarifying that the delay in assenting to the LGBTQ+ bill was due to legal challenges before the Supreme Court.
“The President at the time did not refuse to sign. There was a legal process at the Supreme Court, which prevented him from proceeding,” he explained.
