Only those who hate Mahama are attacking him over LGBTQ+ issues – Rev Owusu-Bempah

Founder and Leader of Glorious Word Power Ministry International, Rev Isaac Owusu-Bempah, has criticised individuals who have attacked President John Dramani Mahama over LGBTQ+ related issues.

According to him, the passage of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, commonly referred to as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, is the responsibility of Parliament, not the President.

He therefore questioned why President Mahama is being blamed over the matter.

Speaking in an interview on Okay FM’s Ade Akye Abia on April 10, 2026, Rev Owusu-Bempah stated that President Mahama has previously made his position against such activities clear.

He argued that anyone criticising the President over the issue does so out of dislike for him.

“He said currently LGBTQ+ issues are not part of his immediate priorities because Parliament has not concluded work on the bill, so he is focusing on development. I therefore do not understand why people are criticising him now out of anger,” he said.

Mahama on why LGBTQ+ bill is currently not Ghana’s top priority

Rev Owusu-Bempah also referenced comments by the Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, who indicated that the Speaker of Parliament had referred the bill to a committee for consideration.

He maintained that once Parliament completes its work, President John Dramani Mahama would have no reason not to assent to the bill.

“The President I know is a Christian and a member of the Assemblies of God Church. If Parliament finishes work on the bill and it gets to the President, he will sign it, as he said during the campaign period. Except those who dislike the President, no one would attack him over LGBTQ+ issues,” he added.

He further dismissed claims that he has been hypocritical or silent on LGBTQ+ matters, insisting that criticism should be directed at Parliament since the bill has not yet reached the President.

“The way some Ghanaians are speaking makes it seem as though the President supports LGBTQ+, meanwhile the bill has not even been presented to him yet. Parliament should rather work on the bill before people blame the President,” he stated.

Addressing Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) at the Jubilee House on March 30, 2026, President Mahama stressed the need for restraint and respectful dialogue, describing the subject as deeply sensitive and emotionally charged.

President Mahama noted that Ghana continues to face pressing concerns, including access to education, healthcare, jobs, and other basic needs, which he said must remain the government’s top priority.

“I explained during my recent engagement with the World Affairs Council that it is not the most important issue we face as a nation. We are still grappling with the provision of basic needs such as education, healthcare, jobs, food, clothing, and shelter,” he stated.

He urged stakeholders to channel discussions through democratic processes, guided by the Constitution, national values, and respect for human rights.

While acknowledging the diversity of opinions surrounding the private member’s bill before Parliament, he emphasised that any decision must reflect both the rule of law and Ghana’s societal context.

AM/VPO

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