Former President John Mahama has reiterated his strong stance against same-sex marriage, stating that he believes there are only two genders: man and woman. While addressing the clergy on Friday, February 28, Mr. Mahama emphasized that his Christian faith is the foundation for his views on family structure and marriage. He also highlighted his commitment to ensuring that these values are reflected in Ghanaian law.
“As a Christian, I uphold the principle and the values that only two genders exist, a man and a woman. And that marriage is between a man and a woman,” Mahama stated. His remarks come in the context of debates around issues related to gender identity and the legal recognition of same-sex relationships.
In his address, Mahama also touched on the issue of Ghana’s Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, a proposed piece of legislation aimed at reinforcing traditional family values in the country. He revealed that he had discussed the renewal of this bill with the Speaker of Parliament, expressing his hope that the bill, which expired with the end of the last Parliament, would be introduced by the government rather than through a private member’s bill.
“I have spoken with the Speaker so that a renewal of the expired Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill should be a bill that is introduced by government rather than as a private members’ motion,” he said. He added, “And it is my hope that that consultation would see a renewed Proper Families Bill,” Mahama said, indicating that the government would take a leading role in advancing this issue.
By: Emmanuel Tetteh