President John Dramani Mahama has said he will assent to the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill if Parliament approves it.
He gave the assurance when the leadership of the Christian Council of Ghana paid a courtesy call on him at the Presidency in Accra. The delegation, led by Rev Enoch Nii Narh Thompson, presented six national issues for the President’s attention.
These included illegal mining, the Family Values Bill, the National Cathedral, the government’s anti-corruption efforts, collaboration on mission schools, and the recent military recruitment incident.
President Mahama explained that during the previous administration, the Bill did not reach the President because an injunction was filed to stop Parliament and the Speaker from forwarding it for assent. As a result, he said the Bill expired with the end of the parliamentary term and must now be re-laid.
He noted that the Speaker has already indicated readiness to reintroduce it.
Outlining his government’s position, the President stated that marriage remains between a man and a woman, gender is determined at birth, and the family forms the foundation of the country. He said this view aligns with the stance of the Christian Council.
President Mahama added that once the Bill is read, Parliament will debate it, consider any proposed changes, and proceed accordingly.