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Majority Chief Whip, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, has given firm assurances that President John Dramani Mahama is fully prepared to assent to the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill once it is duly passed by Parliament and presented to him.
Speaking in an interview on Accra-based Joy FM, Mr Dafeamekpor stated that the President has no reservations about the bill and is ready to give it immediate assent upon completion of the legislative process.
According to the Majority Chief Whip, President Mahama’s commitment to the bill is unequivocal.
“I am saying the person who will sign says, ‘My pen is ready. The ink is dripping’. If you bring it today, I’ll sign it in the next minute,” he said.
The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, often described as the anti-LGBTQ bill, has generated intense debate both locally and internationally. The proposed legislation seeks to regulate matters relating to sexual orientation, gender identity, family values, and advocacy activities connected to these issues in Ghana.
Supporters of the bill, including religious bodies, traditional authorities, and conservative civil society groups, argue that it is necessary to protect Ghana’s cultural values, moral foundations, and the traditional family system.
However, the bill has faced strong opposition from human rights organisations, legal practitioners, and sections of the international community. Critics argue that some of its provisions could infringe on fundamental human rights guaranteed under Ghana’s 1992 Constitution and international human rights treaties to which Ghana is a signatory.
Despite the criticisms, Mr Dafeamekpor reaffirmed the ruling majority’s determination to pass the bill, insisting that Parliament remains committed to reflecting the will of the Ghanaian people.
“We want to assure the nation and all the faith-based institutions and religious bodies that this bill, we will pass it just like a year ago, before we even kickstart that project, the president is in readiness to sign,” he added.
The bill is expected to return to the floor of Parliament during the ongoing session, where it is likely to attract renewed debate ahead of a final vote.
