President John Dramani Mahama has indicated a preference for promoting family values through education rather than prioritising legislation.
His remarks, made during a meeting with the Catholic Bishops Conference, suggest a shift towards dialogue and moral education over legal measures.
Speaking at the meeting, Mahama emphasised that Ghana’s cultural and moral values could be better preserved through a curriculum that instils family values in the younger generation.
He highlighted his preference for more inclusive ways to uphold traditional values rather than a legislative instrument like the controversial LGBTQ+ bill.
The President also suggested that the controversial anti-LGBTQ+ bill would have a higher chance of success and broader legitimacy if it were a government-sponsored initiative.
“For the bill to have broader legitimacy and a higher chance of success, it should ideally come with government backing,” Mahama said.
However, he clarified that a legislative approach may not be his administration’s priority.
“We won’t need a bill to enforce our family values,” Mahama said. “And that’s why I think more than even the Family Values Bill, it’s us agreeing on a curriculum that inculcates these values into our children as they’re growing up so that we don’t need to legislate it“, he continued.
His comments suggest that his government may be open to a more measured approach to LGBTQ+ issues, rather than pushing for harsh criminal penalties. This also signals a departure from the hardline stance taken by some members of his party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), who have called for the swift passage of the bill in its current form.
The anti-LGBTQ+ bill, officially titled the “Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill,” has been one of the most contentious issues in Ghanaian politics.
It seeks to criminalise LGBTQ+ activities and advocacy in the country.
Proponents argue that the bill aligns with Ghanaian cultural and religious values, while opponents claim it infringes on fundamental human rights.
In 2024, the former Nana Addo-led administration failed to sign the bill into law despite its passage in Parliament.
Mahama’s stance on the LGBTQ+ bill could have significant political implications.
While it may alienate some conservative groups, it positions his administration as more progressive and internationally aligned. His emphasis on education and dialogue over punishment reflects a measured approach to addressing societal concerns without undermining human rights.
During the campaign period leading up to the 2024 elections, Mahama and the NDC criticised the previous administration for its failure to sign the bill. The NDC called this a reluctance on the part of the former president and used it as a major campaign issue during the 2024 elections.
However, President Mahama’s current position suggests a shift from campaign rhetoric to a more pragmatic governance approach.
