President-elect John Dramani Mahama has called on President Akufo-Addo to assent to the bill opposing same-sex relations before it becomes invalid when the life of the current parliament ends on January 6th, 2025.
The Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, 2021, which was passed by the House earlier this year has yet to receive presidential assent.
The presidency has explained that it is waiting for the constitutionality of the bill to be settled given that some individuals are challenging its validity in the Supreme Court.
On the campaign trail, both candidates of the leading political parties, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and former President Mahama pledged to sign the bill if it is brought to their desk as head of state.
Receiving a delegation of clergy leaders from the Assemblies of God, the President-elect urged the incumbent leader to sign the bill as the practice it aimed to curtail was in contravention with the teachings of the church.
“The issue of LGBTQ is still an issue that is pending. It is our hope that this president will sign the bill but if he doesn’t sign it, the bill will expire and it means that the next parliament must look at it again.
“Like I said, we are not people who promote that kind of attitude. The Bible is very clear on issues like that and we will continue to remain faithful to our spiritual guidance and do the things that are necessary to do,” he said to applause.
The president-elect also thanked the church, of which he and his family are members, for their continued prayers and support of him.
