MP Defends Akufo-Addo on Anti-gay Bill Delay

Assin South MP John Ntim Fordjour stated former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo was unfairly blamed for delays with the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill. Fordjour explained the bill was not sent to Akufo-Addo for his signature because of ongoing court cases at the time. This information, he argued, offers a different perspective on the public campaign against the former president.

During a Minority press conference in Accra on June 1, 2026, Fordjour highlighted comments attributed to President John Mahama. Mahama reportedly said the bill, passed by Parliament in 2024, was not submitted to Akufo-Addo due to pending legal matters. Fordjour questioned why Akufo-Addo was made to represent the face of delay if the bill was still entangled in legal processes.

Fordjour emphasized that many Ghanaians believed Akufo-Addo was intentionally refusing to sign a ready bill. However, he pointed out that the legal journey of the legislation had not yet concluded. The MP noted the issue gains more importance as the bill returns to Parliament with numerous amendments. These revisions, in his view, contradict the idea that the legislation was complete and only needed a signature.

He questioned why the same bill from 2024 was not simply re-submitted and passed in its original form if it was truly ready for immediate assent. Fordjour maintains the debate centres on fairness and public trust. He called on the government and supporters of the bill to fully explain the circumstances surrounding its progression.

This discussion touches upon governance and the legislative process in Ghana. The development and passage of significant legislation often involve intricate legal and political considerations. The delay in assenting to or implementing such bills can have ripple effects on public perception and future policy direction. The exact financial or economic implications are not immediately derivable from this specific defensive statement, but legislative actions and public trust are foundational to investor confidence and economic stability.

The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, often referred to as the Anti-gay Bill, has been a subject of intense debate. Its journey through Parliament and to presidential assent has been marked by legal challenges and strong public opinions on both sides. The clarification provided by Ntim Fordjour adds another layer of complexity to the narrative surrounding its passage.

The former President’s office has not formally responded to these latest comments by the MP. However, such statements can influence public understanding of the executive's role in the legislative process. The economic impact of such socially sensitive legislation is often debated in terms of international relations and potential impacts on tourism and foreign investment. Understanding the full timeline and legal standing of the bill is crucial for accurate public discourse and policy analysis.