Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, the Member of Parliament for Assin South, has issued a one-week ultimatum to those he claims are being influenced by the Jubilee House to delay the gazetting of the “Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill.” In an interview with Asempa FM on July 9, 2025, the MP expressed frustration over Ghana’s abstention in a United Nations Human Rights Council vote on July 7, 2025, to renew the mandate of the Independent Expert on Protection Against Violence and Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (A/HRC/59/L.2).
“It has been four months since the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill was approved by the Speaker of Parliament, yet its gazetting has been blocked by some people,” Rev. Ntim Fordjour said.he will mention names in one week of those allowing themselves to be used by the Jubilee House to prevent the anti-LGBTQ bill from being gazetted, warning that “I am giving them one week. By one week, if they don’t submit it for gazetting, I will begin to mention names.”
The anti-LGBTQ+ bill, reintroduced in February 2025 by Rev. Ntim Fordjour and nine other MPs, aims to criminalize same-sex relationships, advocacy, and related activities. It follows a similar bill passed in 2024 that lapsed after former President Nana Akufo-Addo declined to assent due to legal challenges. The MP’s comments come in the wake of Ghana’s decision to abstain from the UN vote, which he criticized as a failure to reflect the country’s conservative values. The resolution passed with 29 votes in favor and 15 against, with Ghana among three abstaining nations.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs defended the abstention, stating it aligns with Ghana’s 1992 Constitution and its binary definition of gender, clarifying that the vote was about protection from violence and discrimination, not endorsing LGBTQ+ rights. However, Rev. Ntim Fordjour argued that Ghana should have voted against the resolution, citing strong public support for the bill, with a 2023 survey showing 86% approval.
The MP’s ultimatum intensifies pressure on President John Dramani Mahama’s administration, which faces a delicate balance between domestic sentiments and international criticism. The bill has drawn warnings of economic repercussions, including the potential loss of $3.8 billion in World Bank funding. As the deadline looms, Rev. Ntim Fordjour’s threat to name those obstructing the bill signals a renewed push to advance the controversial legislation.
Rightify Ghana 