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The Communications Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr. Ahiagbah, has publicly called on former President John Dramani Mahama to honour his campaign promise to sign the controversial Anti-Gay Bill into law.
The comments come after President Mahama suggested that a government-backed bill, rather than the current Private Member’s Bill, would be more effective in addressing the issue and gaining national consensus.
In a Facebook post dated January 16, 2025, Mr. Ahiagbah expressed his frustration over what he perceived as President Mahama’s reluctance to fulfil a key commitment made during his 2024 presidential campaign. Mr. Ahiagbah reminded Mahama that elections carry consequences, a phrase that alludes to the idea that politicians must live up to their campaign promises to maintain credibility and support.
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“Elections have consequences, and H.E. Mahama must not shift the goalpost,” Ahiagbah said. “Sign the bill as you have pledged to Ghanaians.”
During the 2024 general election campaign, President Mahama vowed to sign the LGBTQ+ Bill into law if he were elected, presenting it as a key measure to protect Ghanaian cultural and family values from what he described as foreign ideologies.
However, recent statements from Mahama have left some questioning his commitment to following through with that promise.
At a meeting with bishops on January 14, 2025, Mahama emphasised the importance of revising school curricula to reflect moral and cultural values that resonate with Ghanaian society.
He also suggested that a government-sponsored bill would be more effective than the current Private Member’s Bill, which has been pushed by members of the Parliament and civil society groups advocating for the criminalisation of LGBTQI activities in Ghana.
Mahama’s proposal of a government-backed approach would allow for broader consultation and seek to build a national consensus on the matter. This contrasts with the current bill, which critics argue was rushed through Parliament with little public debate.
In response, Mr. Ahiagbah accused Mahama of running away from his commitment to sign the bill as it currently stands.
He cautioned that the former president’s shift in stance could have electoral consequences, suggesting that voters would not take kindly to any attempts to backtrack on what was seen as a firm campaign promise.
The anti-gay bill, which has stirred heated debate in Ghanaian politics and society, seeks to criminalise activities associated with LGBTQI advocacy. If passed into law, the bill would impose penalties on individuals promoting, funding, or providing indirect support to LGBTQI-related activities. Proponents of the bill argue that it is necessary to safeguard Ghanaian values, which they claim are under threat from foreign ideologies that promote LGBTQI rights.
One of the primary goals of the bill is to prohibit the teaching of LGBTQI-related content in schools and to punish those who openly identify as LGBTQI or provide support to the community. Proponents believe that such measures will protect Ghana’s traditional family structures and preserve the cultural fabric of society.
On the other hand, critics, including local and international human rights organisations, argue that the bill infringes on basic human rights, including the rights to free expression, association, and equality before the law.
They assert that the bill unfairly targets individuals based on their sexual orientation and gender identity, subjecting them to criminalisation and stigmatization. Human rights activists have warned that the bill could lead to an increase in discrimination, violence, and harassment against LGBTQI individuals in the country.
The issue has exposed a deep divide in Ghanaian politics, with some political figures and groups vehemently supporting the bill while others remain firmly opposed.
President Mahama, a prominent figure in the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has found himself caught between these competing interests, especially as he navigates the delicate balance between his party’s base, which largely supports the bill, and international pressure from human rights organisations and foreign governments advocating for LGBTQI rights.
Some observers have suggested that Mahama’s recent comments on the bill reflect a desire to appeal to a broader electorate by promoting national dialogue and consensus.
However, his critics, including members of the NPP, have questioned his commitment to the bill, suggesting that the former president may be backtracking on his initial stance in order to accommodate international opinions.
The NPP’s insistence on holding Mahama accountable to his pledge has only intensified the political pressure surrounding the bill. Mr. Ahiagbah’s comments reflect the broader sentiment within the NPP, which views the LGBTQ+ Bill as a cornerstone of its platform, focusing on the defence of traditional Ghanaian values.
As the debate over the Anti-Gay Bill continues to unfold, many are waiting to see whether President Mahama will sign the bill into law or push for a revised version with broader political and public support. For now, the focus remains on the political consequences of this issue, with both the NPP and the NDC positioning themselves for the next round of elections.
With national elections on the horizon, the outcome of the debate over the LGBTQ+ Bill could have significant implications for the future of Ghana’s political landscape, particularly as it pertains to social and cultural policies.
The pressure is mounting on Mahama to either honour his promise or risk further alienating key voter segments in an increasingly polarised environment.
