I'm saddened by Mahama's excuse to defer signing anti-LGBTQ bill – Paul Yandoh

Ashanti Regional Communications Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Paul Yandoh has criticised President John Dramani Mahama over his decision not to assent to the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, despite signing six other bills into law on March 31, 2026.

According to him, the development is both shocking and painful.

“President Mahama recently assented to six bills; the LGBT bill was not included, but what really saddens me is that CSOs have accepted the president’s excuse for not signing the bill.

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

"... I was really saddened. I cried the whole night because during the dialogue with the CSOs, he said the bill is not a matter of national priority and they also accepted it," he remarked in an interview on Wontumi TV on April 1, 2026.

Paul Yandoh also accused Mahama of being inconsistent in his stance on the bill.

“...President Mahama promised to sign the bill, so I am surprised by the excuse for not signing it,” he added.

President John Mahama has urged restraint and constructive engagement in ongoing national discussions on LGBTQ+ issues, stressing that the matter, while important, is not Ghana’s most urgent concern at this time.

Speaking during a presidential dialogue with Civil Society Organisations at Jubilee House in Accra on Monday, March 30, 2026, the president described the subject as sensitive and emotionally charged, even in countries with long-standing liberal traditions.

He emphasised the need for calm, measured conversations guided by national values.

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

President Mahama indicated that the government’s attention remains focused on addressing critical socio-economic challenges affecting citizens.

The president has urged restraint and constructive engagement in ongoing national discussions on LGBTQ+ issues, noting that it is not Ghana’s most urgent concern at this time.

He explained that any decisions taken must align with the 1992 Constitution, uphold human rights, and preserve national unity.

“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.

According to him, Ghana will continue to balance its constitutional principles with its cultural context while maintaining constructive relations globally.

JKB/VPO

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