A former Upper East Regional Minister and cadre of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Prof Avea Ephraim Nsoh, has criticised President John Dramani Mahama for what he describes as feet dragging on the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, commonly known as the anti-LGBTQ bill.
Prof Nsoh said the President needs to stand firm on his position against LGBTQ activities, as he and the NDC strongly indicated during the 2024 election campaign.
Speaking during a Presidential Dialogue with Civil Society Organisations at Jubilee House in Accra on March 30, President Mahama called for restraint and dialogue in the ongoing national debate on LGBTQ issues, stating that while the subject is important, it is not the country’s most pressing priority. The President stressed that his administration remains focused on addressing basic needs such as healthcare, jobs, food security, clothing and shelter, and described the bill as a private member’s bill, not a government sponsored initiative.
Prof Nsoh speaking on Dreamz FM’s ‘Breakfast Today’ show said the statement was unfortunate and should not have been made in the first place, as it sends the wrong signal about where the President stands on a matter that Ghanaians feel strongly about.
“President Mahama needs to speak clearly. I was so furious about Mahama’s latest comment on LGBTQ. A leader must show clear direction on any policy,” he said.
The former regional minister said President Mahama and the NDC made Ghanaians believe they would take a strong stand against LGBTQ activities when they were seeking votes in the 2024 elections, and it is only right that the President honours that position now that he is in office.
