Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, Member of Parliament for Assin South and a leading advocate of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, has challenged Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga over the ongoing debate surrounding the legislation, stressing that the priority must be the enactment of a “fit‑for‑purpose” law rather than simply securing its passage.
He made the remarks while defending Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin’s call for the already approved bill to be returned for reconsideration, urging further dialogue between Majority and Minority leadership to ensure broader consensus and adherence to due process before submission for presidential assent.
This follows Mr. Ayariga’s comments on Citi Eyewitness News on Tuesday, June 2, where he maintained that Parliament had complied with all required procedures in passing the bill, insisting there was no breach of standing orders. He further argued that the Speaker lacks the authority to overturn the bill’s passage, emphasising that the legislative process had been duly concluded.
Speaking on the Channel One Newsroom, Rev. Fordjour insisted that the Majority Leader must not focus solely on procedural completion but on ensuring that the final law is strong, enforceable, and capable of surviving legal scrutiny. He stressed that Ghanaians expect a law that is “fit for purpose” and capable of addressing what proponents describe as concerns related to LGBTQ activities in the country.
“We must be frank to the Majority Leader that Ghanaians are not looking for just any bill. No. We are looking for a bill that is fit for purpose and cures the mischief in the LGBT cancer in this country,” he said. He warned that a weak or poorly structured law could be vulnerable to legal challenge, potentially undermining the intent of the legislation.
“If anyone disagrees with the Speaker, then that person does not really want any bill to be passed. In the problematic state that the bill is, somebody can legally challenge it and knock off the bill, and then we will have no law passed,” he stated. Rev. Fordjour maintained that Parliament must prioritise strengthening the legislation rather than treating passage as the final step, insisting that the ultimate goal is a durable and enforceable legal framework.
The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, popularly referred to as the anti-LGBTQ bill, was passed by Parliament after lawmakers adopted a series of amendments, including exemptions for legal practitioners, journalists, media organisations and healthcare professionals acting within the scope of their professional duties. Despite objections from the Minority Caucus, Parliament approved the legislation, which is now subject to the remaining constitutional processes.
Source: Juliana Odame Asare
