Source: Vincent Kwofie
Godwin Ayaba Mahama, Corporate Affairs Officer (External) at the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) and a member of the National Communications Team of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has urged Assin South MP Ntim Fordjour to redirect his advocacy efforts toward Parliament in the ongoing debate over the LGBTQ+ bill.
His comments follow recent calls by Rev. Fordjour for swift presidential assent to the proposed legislation once it is presented.
According to Mr. Mahama, such pressure is misplaced, as the bill has not yet been fully passed by Parliament. He argued that advocacy should instead focus on lawmakers to expedite the legislative process.
“Pressuring the President to sign a bill that is not before him is unnecessary. Those who are passionate about this issue should sit in Parliament and push for the bill to be passed,” he stated in an interview.
He emphasised the importance of adhering to constitutional processes, noting that President John Dramani Mahama can only act on legislation after it has been duly passed by Parliament.
The LGBTQ+ bill continues to generate intense national debate, with stakeholders divided over its implications for human rights, culture, and governance. While some groups are advocating for its swift passage, others have raised concerns about its potential impact on Ghana’s international image and constitutional freedoms.
The issue remains under consideration in Parliament, with political leaders, civil society organisations, and religious bodies actively contributing to the ongoing discussions.
