Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament for Ho West and co-sponsor of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill—commonly referred to as the anti-LGBT bill—has reportedly issued an ultimatum on the bill’s passage.
According to TV3, Kwasi Bedzrah stated that the bill must be passed into law before the conclusion of the current 9th Parliament. He reportedly warned that if the government fails to enact the legislation by then, he would not seek re-election for the Ho West seat in the 2028 general elections.
“This bill must be passed, otherwise I will not return to Parliament,” he is quoted as saying.
The MP’s stance follows remarks by President John Dramani Mahama, who described the passage of the bill as not being a “priority” for his government. Speaking at a Presidential Dialogue with Civil Society Organisations at Jubilee House on March 30, 2026, Mahama urged a calm and respectful national conversation on the LGBTQ+ issue, noting its sensitivity and emotional charge.
“I explained during my recent engagement with the World Affairs Council that it is not the most important issue we face as a nation. We are still grappling with the provision of basic needs such as education, healthcare, jobs, food, clothing, and shelter,” the President said.
He emphasised that his government intends to focus on core socio-economic challenges to improve citizens’ living conditions before addressing other matters.
However, Mahama’s comments were met with criticism from some religious leaders, sparking debate over the timing and prioritisation of the bill.
