Kofi Asher, NDC communicator, has defended comments by John Dramani Mahama on the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, insisting they have been widely misinterpreted in the public space.
Speaking on Orange Sunrise with Alfa Ali on Thursday, April 2, 2026, the communicator explained that the president’s remark that the LGBTQ+ issue is “not an immediate priority” does not signal a shift in the party’s long-standing position.
According to him, the statement must be understood within the broader national context, where Ghana is grappling with pressing concerns such as economic recovery, job creation, and the rising cost of living.
He argued that while the LGBTQ+ conversation remains “emotive” and important, it is not currently the government’s topmost priority. “The president made it clear that this remains one of the most emotive topics. So it should not be misconstrued as neglect or a departure from the NDC’s position,” he stated.
The communicator accused the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) of spreading what he described as propaganda to suggest that the president has abandoned concerns surrounding the anti-LGBTQ+ bill. He maintained that this narrative is misleading and does not reflect the president’s actual position.
“The claim that the president is ignoring LGBTQ+ concerns is not accurate. That is the impression being pushed, but it is not what he said,” he added.
Legal Approach to anti-LGBTQ+ Bill
Touching on the way forward, the communicator emphasized that issues surrounding the anti-LGBTQ+ bill must be handled carefully and within the framework of the law.
He cautioned against rushing decisions for political advantage, stressing the need for clarity to avoid future complications.
“It is better for us to hesitate and get this right than to rush under political pressure and create confusion,” he noted.
NDC Position on LGBTQ+ Remains Unchanged
Reaffirming the party’s stance, the communicator stated that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) remains committed to Ghana’s cultural values, national identity, and moral standards.
He pointed to previous public statements by key party figures, including the president and the speaker of Parliament, as evidence of a consistent position.
He also referenced their Christian beliefs, noting that both he and the president are members of the Assemblies of God, whose teachings, he said, do not support LGBTQ+ practices.
While acknowledging that there has been a delay in addressing the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, the communicator stressed that this should not be interpreted as inaction.
Instead, he said, it reflects a deliberate effort to ensure the issue is handled with the necessary legal and societal considerations. He said, “We acknowledge the delay, but the delay does not mean inaction.”
