The controversial anti-LGBTQ bill has returned to Parliament, this time as a private member’s bill. It is being reintroduced by Ningo-Prampram MP, Sam George, and several other MPs—not by the executive arm of government.

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On Tuesday night, during an interview on Joy News’ PM Express, the Communications Minister stated that he is staying true to his word to the people of Ghana and to traditional leaders.

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“Four weeks and a few days ago, together with some of my colleagues, we reintroduced the bill as a private member’s bill,” he announced. “I have kept my fidelity and my promise to the Ghanaian people to reintroduce the bill.”

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He admitted that President Mahama had expressed a preference for the government itself to reintroduce the bill. But for him, that preference did not override his duty to his constituents.

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“At my vetting, I was asked that question. My chiefs were sitting behind me, and I made the point clear,” he recalled.

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“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.”

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He stressed that the responsibility they gave him was clear: to champion the bill for the protection of Ghanaian family values.

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“That was the mandate they gave me. And I told them that when the ninth Parliament resumed, I was going to reintroduce the bill. And I have done so.”

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He clarified that although the government has the legal authority to take over the bill during the parliamentary process, it has not done so at this point.

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For now, the bill is moving forward in Parliament as a private member’s bill.

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Addressing those who may be wondering about the silence on the matter, he assured them there is a reason for the delay.

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“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 said.

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He explained that now, a new committee is responsible for private members’ bills. That change has slowed things down.

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“The parliamentary process takes a certain number of steps,” he added.

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He recounted how even though he submitted the first version of the bill in 2021, parliamentary action didn’t begin until late 2023.

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“Yes, in 2021/22, there was a lot of conversation. But it was a media conversation. It was not a parliamentary movement.”

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Now, with a super majority in the House, Sam Nartey George expects the bill to move faster.

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“We have a super majority. I expect it to move faster through Parliament this time,” he said.

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“Because again, what we have presented is what the eighth Parliament approved and passed. We have not changed a single word.”

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That continuity, he believes, should limit the need for extended public debate. “We don’t need to reinvent the wheel,” he said.

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With Parliament currently on recess, he is looking ahead to the return of legislative business.

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“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.”

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Despite the delays, Sam Nartey George firmly stated that the bill has already been reintroduced. He added that the renewed push is driven by the same strong beliefs that motivated the initial effort.

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“I have kept my fidelity and my promise,” he said again. “To the Ghanaian people. To my chiefs. To Parliament. And you have done same.”

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