Mahama right to prioritise welfare over Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill – Rev Bansah to Most Rev Gyamfi

Rev Canon Dr Confidence Bansah, Founder of the Centre for Religion and Public Life and Lecturer in Religion and Human Values at the University of Cape Coast, has questioned the President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Most Rev Matthew K Gyamfi, over what President John Dramani Mahama should prioritise.

In a social media post on April 17, 2026, reacting to Bishop Gyamfi’s recent remarks, Dr Bansah argued that the President is right to place the welfare of Ghanaians above the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill currently before Parliament. The proposed legislation seeks to criminalise LGBTQ+ activities in the country.

According to him, it is in the best interest of the nation for the President to focus on economic recovery and the wellbeing of citizens rather than giving immediate priority to the bill.

“It is concerning that the respected bishop thinks the President should prioritise the bill alongside economic recovery at this time. We doubt that the President intends to undermine public will. Like many other Ghanaians, he chose citizens’ welfare and wellbeing over a bill that will not add any value to our livelihood and he would not want to derail his Ghana Reset agenda,” he stated.

Bishop Gyamfi had earlier warned that recent comments from the Presidency suggesting the LGBTQ+ issue is not a current priority could slow parliamentary action on the bill.

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Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Tuesday, he expressed concern that the President’s position may influence how Parliament handles the matter.

Drawing comparisons with the previous administration, Bishop Gyamfi said former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo had publicly indicated he would sign the bill but it was never assented to. He said this created uncertainty and should not be repeated.

“That we do not want a repetition of that. When the President has said, ‘I will sign,’ and now he says it is not a priority, we should be very careful that we do not have a repeat of what happened,” he said.

The Catholic bishop stressed that although Parliament is independent, statements made by the President can have influence across all sectors, including the legislature.

He therefore urged Parliament to proceed with its mandate and forward the bill to the President for assent.

At the same time, he acknowledged that neither the Church nor the public can force Parliament or the President to act outside due process. He expressed hope that the bill would be completed within the life of the current Parliament.

AM

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