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Sam Nartey George, the Minister-Designate for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovation, has reaffirmed his commitment to reintroducing the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill in Parliament, emphasising its role in protecting Ghanaian cultural values and the welfare of children.
His declaration follows President John Dramani Mahama’s recent suggestion that a government-backed bill would be more effective than the current Private Member’s Bill in addressing concerns surrounding LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana.
During his vetting before the Appointments Committee of Parliament on January 30, Sam George firmly stated his intent to ensure that the bill is brought back for consideration in the 9th Parliament.
“My position is that the [Anti-Gay] Bill is a critical part of our national lives. Ghanaian family values and our innocent children must be protected. In this 9th Parliament, that bill will be reintroduced—either as a Private Member’s Bill or a government-sponsored bill. I will work with the government; if it’s my bill, I will bring it back again,” he asserted.
His comments reinforce the wider national conversation about how Ghana should address LGBTQ+ rights within its legal and cultural framework.
President Mahama, in a meeting with Ghana’s Catholic Bishops on January 14, emphasised that a government-sponsored bill would allow for broader national consultation and consensus-building.
The president also called for a review of Ghana’s educational curriculum, advocating for stronger moral and cultural teachings that reflect African values and societal norms.
“We must instil our traditional and cultural beliefs in our children through education. Moral and ethical values must be reinforced in our schools.”
The Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill, first introduced in 2021, aimed to criminalize LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana but faced delays, legal challenges, and international scrutiny. While supporters argue that it is necessary to preserve Ghana’s moral and cultural fabric, critics, including human rights groups, warn that it could lead to discrimination and human rights violations.
With Sam George’s renewed push and President Mahama’s backing, the bill is set to return to Parliament’s agenda, reigniting debates about Ghana’s stance on LGBTQ+ issues both locally and internationally.
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