Ntim Fordjour: New Human Sexual Rights Bill Risks Promoting LGBTQI+ Activities Instead of Stopping Them

Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Monday, Rev. Ntim Fordjour criticized what he described as last-minute changes introduced into the bill before its passage by Parliament. According to him, the revised version departs significantly from the original intent of the legislation, which was aimed at prohibiting and preventing the promotion of LGBTQI+ activities in Ghana.

The Assin South MP argued that some of the new provisions weaken the enforcement mechanisms contained in the earlier bill and could provide opportunities for individuals and groups to continue promoting LGBTQI+ activities under the guise of exemptions and altered legal definitions.

“If the objective is to protect Ghanaian family values and stop LGBTQI+ promotion, then the current amendments defeat that purpose and rather create room for the very activities the bill seeks to prohibit,” Rev. Ntim Fordjour stated.

He accused the government and members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) of introducing provisions that dilute the strength of the original legislation, insisting that Parliament had previously passed a more robust version which, in his view, offered clearer sanctions and stronger safeguards.

The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, was passed by Parliament last week amid intense public debate and renewed pressure from religious groups and conservative organizations. The legislation criminalizes same-sex sexual relations and imposes penalties on individuals or organizations found to be promoting, funding, or sponsoring LGBTQI+ activities.

Rev. Ntim Fordjour called on lawmakers, religious bodies, and civil society groups supporting the bill to closely scrutinize the amendments and push for a return to what he described as the original and more effective version of the legislation.

The latest development is expected to reignite debate over the bill as stakeholders await President John Mahama’s decision on whether to assent to the legislation.