Ningo-Prampram MP Sam George and a number of colleagues have reintroduced the contentious anti-LGBTQ measure (anti-LGBTQ bill) to Parliament as a private member’s bill rather than through the executive branch.
Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express, the Communications Minister emphasized that he is honoring his commitment to the Ghanaian people and his chiefs.
Four weeks and a few days ago, he and a couple of his colleagues revived the effort as a private member’s bill, he said. “I have kept my fidelity and my promise to the Ghanaian people to reintroduce the bill.” He said he appreciated President Mahama’s desire for the government to bring the program back, but his responsibility to his constituents came first. I was asked the question when I was being screened. “I made the point clear to my chiefs who were seated behind me,” he recalled.
“I have absolute respect and deference for President Mahama’s position. However, as a member of parliament, I owe fidelity as well to my chiefs and people.” He stressed that his mandate was to champion the bill for the protection of Ghanaian family values. He explained that although the government has the legal authority to take over the bill during its consideration, this has not yet occurred. In the meantime, the bill is progressing through Parliament as a private member’s bill. He addressed questions about the delay in progress, stating that a new committee responsible for private members’ bills has slowed the process.
“The committees of Parliament were only set up barely a week or two before Parliament’s dissolution. So it’s not like four years ago where we sent it straight to the Constitutional Legal Affairs Committee,” he explained. Recalling that the first version of the bill was submitted in 2021 but parliamentary action didn’t begin until late 2023, he anticipates faster progress this time due to a super majority in the House. “We have a super majority. I expect it to move faster through Parliament this time,” he said. “Because again, what we have presented is what the eighth Parliament approved and passed. We have not changed a single word.”
He believes this continuity should minimize the need for extended public debate. Looking ahead to Parliament’s return from recess, he stated, “I’m hoping that when Parliament reconvenes, the new leadership of the Private Members Bill Committee will table this bill, work with expedition on it.” Despite any delays, Sam Nartey George emphasized that the reintroduction of the Anti-LGBTQ bill has happened and is rooted in the same convictions as the original effort. “I have kept my fidelity and my promise,” he reiterated. “To the Ghanaian people. To my chiefs. To Parliament. And you have done same.”
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