The Provost of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CoHSS) at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Professor Charles Marfo, and a lecturer at KAAF University, Dr. Eric Bempong, have questioned Parliament over the basis for its proposed mandatory paternity DNA testing bill.
It has emerged that Ghana’s Parliament is considering a bill that would make paternity testing mandatory for all newborns. The initiative is being led by the Member of Parliament for Gomoa Central.
If approved, hospitals could be required to conduct DNA tests before discharging newborns and officially record their biological parentage.
Reacting to the proposed bill during a panel discussion on Oyerepa Breakfast Time, hosted by Akua Asieduaa, the lecturers questioned whether the bill reflects the urgent needs of Ghanaians.
“Is this the law that would help Parliament? Because of this paternity test, my friend who lives in the USA is not on good terms with the child he took care of up to the university level. Looking at their relationship now, it is not the same,” one of them said.
Dr. Bempong also raised concerns about the cost implications of the proposal.
“When they conduct the test, who will bear the cost? If it is confirmed that the child is mine, will the government support me financially to take care of him? We lack equipment in our hospitals. Let’s first make our health facilities standard before we consider this. Do you know the number of children that different people are already taking care of?” he asked.
Professor Charles Marfo also questioned the rationale behind the proposed legislation.
“I want to know the reason that triggered this bill. Do you know the number of men who are impotent, yet their wives have given birth and they are happy? What has brought this? Is it because women are not being truthful?” he asked.
“The 275 Members of Parliament whom we stood under the hot sun to vote for are supposed to be addressing the real issues affecting Ghanaians. Is conducting paternity tests really the priority? I want to understand—maybe there are other reasons behind it,” he added.
