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President John Dramani Mahama has stated that Ghana does not need a legislative bill to enforce family values if proper value education is incorporated into school curricula. Speaking during a meeting with the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference in Accra, the President emphasized the importance of instilling moral values in children through education rather than legislation.
“If we are teaching our values in schools, we won’t need to pass a bill [on LGBT] to enforce family values,” Mahama said. He further suggested that a consensus on an educational curriculum promoting family values could negate the need for laws to mandate these principles.
President Mahama addressed the status of the former anti-LGBT bill, known as the “Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill,” which was introduced as a private member’s bill under the previous government. He explained that the bill did not reach the president’s desk for assent and expired with the dissolution of the 8th Parliament due to procedural and legal issues.
“The bill did not get to the president,” Mahama clarified, adding that such bills, if not signed before the expiration of Parliament, are considered void. He suggested that a government-sponsored bill, rather than a private member’s initiative, would allow for broader consultations and provide a more robust framework for addressing such issues.
Mahama called for renewed discussions among stakeholders to determine a path forward, highlighting the importance of consensus-driven approaches. He expressed openness to reintroducing the bill but stressed the need for a government-led initiative to ensure inclusivity and thorough review.
“The Bill died with the 8th Parliament, but I think we need to have a conversation on that,” Mahama noted. He reiterated that the focus should be on fostering family values through education rather than legislation.
Reflecting on his campaign position during the 2024 elections, Mahama noted that his decision to assent to a revised bill would depend on its contents. He explained that a detailed review of the bill and consultations with advisory bodies, such as the Council of State, would guide his decision.
“It depends on what is in the Bill,” Mahama said, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that respects cultural and religious values while addressing legislative concerns.
The Vice President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Most Rev. Emmanuel Kofi Fianu, congratulated Mahama on his election victory and urged him to consider reintroducing the bill. He expressed confidence in Mahama’s support for family values and hoped for legislative action.
Mahama thanked the Catholic Church for its contributions to education and healthcare and welcomed its input on the moral development of Ghanaian youth. He assured the delegation of his commitment to fostering dialogue and finding the best solutions for national development.
