Assin South MP, John Ntim Fordjour, has urged President John Dramani Mahama to prove his dedication to upholding traditional family principles by supporting the private member’s bill that seeks to outlaw LGBTQ+ activities, rather than drafting a separate government-led proposal.

His remarks come in response to Mahama’s recent statement that discussions are ongoing with the Speaker of Parliament to reintroduce the Proper Family Values Bill, aimed at restricting LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana.

Speaking with the media on Friday, February 28, Ntim Fordjour highlighted that he and other legislators have already resubmitted the bill, which is currently pending review in Parliament.

He suggested that instead of pushing for a different version, the president should endorse the existing proposal and consider adding any necessary amendments later.

“If thereafter, the president thinks that there are other areas he finds extra legislation to address in addition to what has been provided for in the bill, then it is well in place,” he stated.

The Assin South lawmaker further argued that introducing a separate government-backed bill diminishes the relevance of private member-sponsored legislation, which is formally recognized in parliamentary procedures.

“For him to discount a private member’s bill, he must be reminded that Parliament is an independent institution and that the executive cannot dictate to Parliament what it must do. Rather, Parliament will cooperate with you as a state if you sponsor your bill,” he asserted.

“If thereafter, the president thinks that there are other areas he finds extra legislation to address in addition to what has been provided for in the bill, then it is well in place,” he stated.