"Prez. Mahama’s LGBTQI+ position reflects political inconsistency, double standards" – NPP

The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has accused President John Dramani Mahama and the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) of exhibiting “political inconsistency, hypocrisy, and double standards” in their handling of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill.

Addressing a press conference in Accra on Tuesday, Member of Parliament for Assin South, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, argued that the NDC misled Ghanaians while in opposition by strongly endorsing the controversial legislation, only to shift its stance after assuming power.

“We have invited you here to address a matter of significant national concern—one that reveals a clear pattern of political inconsistency and double standards at the highest level,” Rev. Fordjour stated.

Rev. Fordjour traced the origins of the bill to 2021, noting that it received bipartisan backing, including support from several NDC lawmakers.

According to him, the NDC at the time took a firm and highly visible position in favor of the bill, actively engaging the public, media, religious leaders, and traditional authorities to portray the then-government as lacking commitment to Ghanaian values.

He further recalled that during the 2024 election campaign, former President Mahama openly pledged to assent to the bill, presenting himself as a strong defender of family values.

However, the NPP contends that the NDC’s position has changed since returning to power in 2025.

Rev. Fordjour cited engagements between President Mahama and religious leaders, including the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, where the President suggested that a fresh, government-sponsored bill would be more appropriate following the expiration of the previous Parliament.

In those discussions, Mr. Mahama reportedly indicated that the legislation would be better pursued as a government bill after broader stakeholder consultations, rather than as a private member’s initiative.

Tensions heightened after President Mahama remarked on March 31 that his administration was focused on addressing more pressing national needs, suggesting that the bill was not an immediate priority.

Rev. Fordjour questioned this position, asking whether those same national challenges did not exist between 2021 and 2024, when the issue was vigorously promoted by the NDC.

“To strongly advocate for a policy in opposition and then downplay its urgency in government raises serious questions about credibility,” he said.

The NPP also raised concerns about developments within the education sector, particularly regarding teaching materials.

Although the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA) acknowledged that certain disputed content in a teacher’s manual was an error, Rev. Fordjour argued that the situation contradicts earlier assurances from the President.

He alleged that instead of safeguarding children, the curriculum is being used to subtly introduce controversial perspectives.

The party further questioned the apparent silence of some NDC figures who had previously supported the bill in Parliament but are now serving in government.

Rev. Fordjour suggested that their reduced public advocacy indicates that their earlier support may have been politically motivated rather than based on firm conviction.

The NPP is calling on President Mahama to clearly state his position on the bill.

“He must clearly indicate whether he intends to assent to the bill, without resorting to explanations about competing priorities or procedural considerations,” Rev. Fordjour insisted.

The party also urged religious organizations and civil society groups to demand accountability, while calling on Parliament to fast-track the reintroduction and passage of the bill.

The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill remains a highly contentious issue in Ghana, receiving strong backing from religious and cultural groups, while also drawing criticism over potential human rights concerns and possible international implications.

As debate intensifies, the Mahama administration is expected to face sustained scrutiny over its approach to one of the country’s most sensitive legislative matters.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith