The Member of Parliament for Assin South and former Deputy Minister for Education, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, who was a key member of the eight sponsors of the popular private members’ bill known as the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, passed in the Eighth Parliament, has called on President John Dramani Mahama to remain steadfast in his support for the bill.
According to him, President Mahama, who expressed a clear commitment to assenting to the bill while in opposition, appears to be backtracking on his promise since assuming office.
Rev. Fordjour expressed his concerns in a statement, pointing out that President Mahama’s recent comments about relying on curriculum changes instead of legislation undermine the importance of the bill.
He questioned the President’s sudden shift, especially given his strong advocacy for the bill during the Assin North by-election and meetings with the clergy.
“We heard him loud and clear when he campaigned to the clergy and assured Ghanaians he would assent to this bill without hesitation,” Rev. Fordjour remarked.
The Assin South legislator also criticized the President for what he perceived as a move to distance himself from the bill after securing political gains.
He highlighted the overwhelming support for the bill, noting that 73% of Ghanaians stand firmly behind it.
Rev. Fordjour urged the clergy, traditional rulers, and the public to hold the President accountable to his earlier commitments.
He concluded by expressing confidence that the bill, in its current form, would eventually reach the President for assent.
He added that the nation is watching closely to see if President Mahama will uphold his campaign promises or retreat under the guise of alternative solutions.
“Ghanaians earnestly wait to see if indeed President Mahama will remain true to his words or run away from the bill to seek cover in ‘curriculum’,” he stated.
