Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Sam George, says the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill will be processed quickly in Parliament and forwarded to President John Mahama for assent.
He insists the legislative process is still on track, despite his recent appointment as a minister, and has not been delayed as some critics suggest.
Sam George, who is the principal sponsor of the bill, made the remarks during a stakeholder engagement organised by Parliament’s Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee, which has begun a clause-by-clause review of the proposed law.
“There is no bill before President Mahama today,” he stated, adding that concerns raised by religious groups about delays in the process are understandable given the sensitivity of the issue.
“The calls from very respectable groups like the Catholic Bishops Conference are very well placed because of how sensitive and important this is,” he noted.
The controversial bill—commonly referred to as the anti-LGBTQI bill seeks to criminalise same-sex relations and related advocacy activities. It has sparked intense debate in Ghana, with strong backing from religious bodies and opposition from human rights and civil society organisations.
Sam George dismissed claims that his ministerial appointment had caused sponsors of the bill to step back from its progress.
“I have heard people say Sam George and his colleague sponsors have abandoned the bill because I’ve been appointed minister. The process is the process,” he said.
He also referenced comments from fellow sponsor Ntim Fordjour, who has denied any withdrawal of support, stressing that the bill remains actively before Parliament.
According to him, lawmakers have already completed most of the detailed review of the clauses and expect minimal changes going forward.
“As for the clauses, we have gone through them, we’ve masticated them, and we will proceed expeditiously. The body of the law remains the same,” he said.
Sam George further cited appeals from religious leaders, including the Catholic Bishops’ Conference and the National Chief Imam, urging Parliament to take their positions seriously.
“I believe Parliament has a responsibility to grant the Chief Imam his wish and grant the Catholic Bishops their wish,” he added.
He expressed confidence that President Mahama would assent to the bill once it is passed, although he did not disclose any formal assurances.
The bill, which previously passed Parliament but was not assented to by the former President, had lapsed and has now been reintroduced for consideration.
