By GhanaNewsPage 
In a call for decisive action, the Member of Parliament for Assin South, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, has urged President John Dramani Mahama to treat the LGBTQ bill with the same urgency as he did with the Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy) repeal and other pressing national issues.
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According to the lawmaker, the LGBTQ+ bill is a matter of national concern that demands swift attention and firm commitment from the government.
Mahama’s Swift Action on Tax Repeals
Rev. Ntim Fordjour’s remarks follow President Mahama’s recent approval of a series of legislative bills aimed at abolishing several controversial taxes, including the E-Levy, Betting Tax, and Emissions Tax. This decision aligns with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration’s broader economic relief agenda, aimed at easing the financial burden on Ghanaians and encouraging economic growth.
The E-Levy, first introduced in 2022, imposed a 1% tax on electronic transactions, including mobile money transfers and online payments. Its implementation was met with widespread opposition, as many citizens and businesses felt it negatively impacted financial transactions and economic activities. Similarly, the Betting Tax, which levied a 10% charge on gross gambling winnings, and the Emissions Tax, aimed at curbing environmental pollution, also faced significant criticism from industry stakeholders.
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Following through on his campaign promises, Mahama’s administration swiftly repealed these taxes, reinforcing his commitment to improving economic conditions for the average Ghanaian. However, Rev. Ntim Fordjour believes that the same level of urgency should be applied to another crucial national matter—the criminalization of LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana.
Calls for Immediate Action on the LGBTQ Bill
Rev. Ntim Fordjour, a vocal advocate for traditional family values, has consistently pushed for legislative measures to prohibit LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana. He argues that the protection of cultural and moral values should be a priority, just as the government has prioritized economic policies.
In his latest appeal, the Assin South MP stressed the need for President Mahama to demonstrate leadership by backing the private member’s bill aimed at criminalizing LGBTQ+ activities. This bill, which has been under parliamentary discussion for several months, seeks to impose strict penalties on individuals and organizations that promote LGBTQ+ rights in Ghana.
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Rev. Ntim Fordjour also criticized the idea of introducing a government-sponsored LGBTQ+ bill, arguing that it could dilute the intent and effectiveness of the private member’s bill. Instead, he called on the president to fully support the existing legislative efforts led by concerned members of Parliament and civil society organizations.
The LGBTQ Debate in Ghana: A Growing National Discourse
Ghana has witnessed an intensified debate over LGBTQ+ rights, with religious leaders, traditional authorities, and many lawmakers opposing any form of legal recognition for LGBTQ+ individuals. The introduction of the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill has been met with overwhelming public support, but it has also sparked concerns from human rights organizations and international bodies, some of which argue that the bill violates fundamental human rights principles.
The bill proposes strict penalties for individuals engaged in LGBTQ+ activities, those who promote LGBTQ+ rights, and organizations that advocate for the community. Proponents argue that it is necessary to protect Ghanaian cultural and religious values, while critics warn that it could lead to human rights violations and diplomatic tensions with Western nations that support LGBTQ+ rights.
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What Comes Next?
With Mahama’s government making swift economic policy decisions, many observers are watching closely to see whether his administration will take a similarly bold stance on the LGBTQ+ bill. Rev. Ntim Fordjour’s challenge to the president puts additional pressure on the government to clarify its position and demonstrate commitment to Ghana’s traditional and religious principles.
For now, the fate of the bill remains in parliamentary deliberations, but with increasing public and political pressure, a decision could be imminent. Whether President Mahama will act swiftly to support the bill or take a more measured approach remains to be seen.
Rev. John Ntim Fordjour’s call for urgency on the LGBTQ+ bill underscores the deep cultural and moral significance of the debate in Ghana. As the nation navigates complex economic and social challenges, the government faces growing expectations to prioritize issues that reflect the values of the majority.
With the E-Levy, Betting Tax, and Emissions Tax repealed, many are eager to see whether Mahama will extend the same political will to the LGBTQ+ issue. Will the President take immediate action, or will this remain a prolonged debate in Parliament? Only time will tell.
