Former Deputy Transport Minister and Member of Parliament for Tema East, Titus Nii Kwartei Glover, has criticised the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), accusing it of shifting its position on the LGBTQ+ bill after coming into power.
Speaking on Monday, April 13, Mr Glover said the issue was given significant attention while the party was in opposition but has since lost urgency following its return to government.
He argued that LGBTQ+ rights were previously used as a major campaign issue, drawing strong public engagement from political actors and religious leaders at the time.
Mr Glover also pointed to the role of clergy in the national debate, noting that several religious leaders actively used their platforms to campaign strongly on the matter.
He further said legal proceedings before the Supreme Court of Ghana have complicated the passage of any related legislation, making it difficult for the former president to assent to the bill.
“We are aware that someone took this matter to court… and that really made it difficult for the president to assent to the bill into law,” he said.
However, Mr Glover accused the NDC of inconsistency in its messaging, particularly in its criticism of former President Nana Akufo-Addo, arguing that some of the language used in political attacks crossed acceptable boundaries.
“I have some words here I do not want to repeat… it was very vulgar language used in describing Akufo-Addo,” he said, stressing that political disagreement should not justify insults.
He emphasised the need for respect in political discourse, adding that he was raised to treat elders with courtesy even in moments of disagreement.
“Growing up, I was really taught how I should relate to elders… even when you disagree,” he noted.
Mr Glover also expressed concern that some religious voices who were previously vocal on the issue have become less engaged in the current debate.
He questioned suggestions that the LGBTQ+ bill is no longer a priority, insisting that its significance has not changed.
“Now he says it’s not a priority. Priority yesterday is priority today,” he said.
Referencing President John Dramani Mahama, he argued that the government cannot easily downplay the issue given its prominence during earlier political campaigns.
“How can you say it’s not a priority? A moral issue? When you stood on it to campaign to win power,” he added.
Mr Glover maintained that the matter remains a national priority and should not be sidelined despite ongoing legal and political challenges.