Member of Parliament for Assin South, Rev John Ntim Fordjour, has attributed the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) loss in the 2024 General Elections to former President Nana Akufo-Addo’s refusal to assent to the anti-LGBTQ+ bill.
The controversial bill, which sought to criminalise Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) activities and advocacy in Ghana, was passed by the 8th Parliament but remained unsigned before the legislative session ended.
The legislator, who is a key sponsor of the bill, told Citi News, the former Deputy Minister of Education argued that Akufo-Addo’s decision not to sign the bill cost the NPP significant public goodwill and ultimately affected the party’s performance in the polls.
“If President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo had been able to sign this bill, it would have served this nation a lot better, and it would have even enhanced the image of my party. And I dare say that the outcome of the election in 2024 would have been different.”
He maintained that assenting to the bill would have strengthened the party’s moral standing and aligned it with the overwhelming sentiment of Ghanaians at the time. Fordjour insisted that his position has been consistent before and after the elections.
“It would have been different; the outcome would have been different. I have said it way before we voted, after we voted, before handing over, and so my position has been consistent and my position has not changed,” he stated.
The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill seeks to impose strict penalties on LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana. It includes custodial sentences for same-sex relationships, public displays of affection, and the promotion of LGBTQ+ content.
The bill also proposes a ban on transgender healthcare, the dissolution of LGBTQ+ organisations, and criminal sanctions against those who support or sponsor such groups.