The controversial Anti-LGBTQI bill, formerly known as the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, has made its way back to the Ghanaian Parliament after a brief hiatus.
Originally championed by Sam George and approved by Parliament but not assented to by former President Akufo-Addo, the bill has now been reintroduced for further deliberation.
The previous sponsors included:
- Samuel Nartey George (Prampram)
- Dela Adjoa Sowah (Kpando)
- Alhassan Suhuyini (Tamale North)
- Emmanuel Bedzrah (Ho West)
- Rita Naa Odoley Sowah (La Dadekotopon)
- Helen Adjoa Ntoso (Krachi West)
- Rockson Nelson Dafeamekpor (South Dayi)
- John Ntim Fordjour (Assin South)
With the dawn of the new administration under the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the bill has found a new wave of support and sponsorship. The reintroduced bill is aimed at curbing the rights of LGBTQI individuals and establishing strict guidelines surrounding human sexuality and family values.
Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin South, has taken the lead as one of the key sponsors for this reintroduced version of the bill. He is joined by a diverse group of lawmakers from across the country, each lending their support to the bill, which has reignited intense debate in the Ghanaian political landscape.
Here are the 10 new sponsors of the Anti-LGBTQI bill, reintroduced in Parliament:
- Rev. John Ntim Fordjour – MP for Assin South
- Samuel Nartey George – MP for Ningo Prampram
- Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah – MP for Ho West
- Helen Ntoso – MP for Krachi West
- Rita Naa Odoley Sowah – MP for La Dadekotopon
- Alhassan Tampuli Sulemana – MP for Gushegu
- Mahama Tiah Abdul-Kaburu – MP for Walewale
- Ekow Vincent Assafuah – MP for Old Tafo
- Anthony Mmieh – MP for Odotobiri
- Mumuni Mohammed Nurideen – MP for Nalerigu/Gambaga
These MPs are not only backing the bill but are also committed to pushing the legislation through Parliament. This time, the bill is being sponsored by the government, in contrast to its previous status as a private member’s bill, which enhances its chances of swift passage and assent.
President Mahama’s administration has signaled their support for the bill, with the President indicating that the bill is currently under active consultation with the Speaker of Parliament. The goal is to introduce it as a government-sponsored initiative, which could expedite its approval.
With the renewed political backing, the Anti-LGBTQI bill is now set to face new rounds of parliamentary debates and legal scrutiny.
Writer: NAYA
