VIDEO: Deputy Minority Leader Accused Gov’t of ‘Delay Tactics’ Over LGBTQ+ Bill as Debate Intensifies
The Deputy Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Asokwa, Patricia Appiagyei, has accused President John Dramani Mahama of deliberately delaying assent to the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, suggesting the move is a calculated strategy to avoid political consequences during his tenure.
According to her, the president’s current position contradicts assurances he gave during the 2024 general election campaign, when he indicated he would sign the bill if it was passed by Parliament.
“I feel the government has deceived Ghanaians,” she stated, questioning why the president has not acted on the bill now that he is in office.
Her comments come in response to remarks by the Minister of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, who downplayed the significance of the bill in the national discourse. In an interview, he argued that LGBTQ+ issues do not rank among the top concerns of ordinary Ghanaians.
“This is not a major issue. It’s another waste of time,” Mr Kwakye Ofosu said, stressing that the government remains focused on pressing challenges such as employment, healthcare, education, food security, and access to water.
He further noted that most Ghanaians are more concerned about daily survival than debates surrounding the bill, insisting that national priorities should reflect the immediate needs of citizens.
However, Patricia Appiagyei rejected this position, describing the government’s stance as “absolutely wrong” and raising concerns about transparency and consistency.
In an interview with Puretvonline, she argued that the president’s refusal to sign the bill, despite earlier commitments, signals a lack of political will and could be interpreted as an attempt to “manoeuvre” through his four-year term without taking a definitive stance.
The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, first passed in 2024 but stalled due to legal challenges, has since been reintroduced. If enacted, the bill would impose stricter penalties on LGBTQ+ activities, including criminalising same-sex relationships and related advocacy.
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