President Mahama accused of double standards on LGBTQ+ issues

The Member of Parliament for Assin South, John Ntim Fordjour, is urging President John Dramani Mahama to follow through on his earlier stance and ensure the passage of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill.

Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, the lawmaker, who has been a strong supporter of the bill, accused the President of shifting his position on the matter since assuming office. He argued that the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) had taken a firmer stance while in opposition but appears to have softened its approach in government.

"NDC portrayed the NPP government as indecisive… but the moment they assumed power, they replaced their strong stance in opposition with rhetoric. They moved from ‘pass the bill’ to ‘manage how it is introduced and structured,’" he said.

'Another scam' - Ntim Fordjour slams President Mahama over LGBTQ remarks

He added, "The urgency has already evaporated, and his certainty dissolves into procedural language when he goes to America, but tells Ghanaians at home he is against LGBTQ+."

Also speaking at the press conference was the National Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Henry Nana Boakye, popularly known as Nana B. He accused the NDC of using the LGBTQI issue as a political tool during the 2024 general elections.

According to him, the party drew in religious leaders and amplified the issue in ways that influenced voter sentiment at the time. He, however, claimed that the NDC’s current posture in government does not reflect the position it projected while campaigning.

"NDC negatively weaponised the issue of LGBTQ+ in the run-up to the 2024 elections; they roped in the clergy… in government today, we are seeing something different from what they promised," he also said.

Their comments come amid ongoing national discussions on LGBTQI issues, which have drawn varied reactions across the country.

Earlier, President Mahama had called for restraint and calm in handling the debate, stressing the need for dialogue and mutual respect. Speaking during a Presidential Dialogue with Civil Society Organisations at Jubilee House on March 30, 2026, he described the issue as sensitive and one that requires careful consideration.

“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 of education, health care, jobs, food, clothing, and shelter,” he stated.

The President emphasised that his administration remains focused on addressing pressing socio-economic challenges, including improving access to essential services and creating jobs.

He also noted that the ongoing discussions around the private member’s bill in Parliament reflect the diversity of views within Ghanaian society, adding that any decision must align with the Constitution and uphold human rights.

“While there are strong and differing views within our society, we believe that issues must be addressed through democratic processes, our core values, dialogue, and the rule of law,” he said.

NA/BAI

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