The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has launched a sharp attack on President John Dramani Mahama, accusing him of orchestrating what it describes as a “grand deception” over the controversial Family Values Bill, an issue that has reignited national debate over trust, leadership consistency, and political accountability in Ghana’s stance on LGBTQ+ rights.
Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, Member of Parliament for Assin South, on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at the headquarters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Accra, addressed what he described as a matter of grave national importance, one that, in his view, exposes political deceit, hypocrisy, and double standards by President John Dramani Mahama and the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC).
According to him, the NDC, over several years, weaponized the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill as a political tool to court support from clergy, traditional leaders, and the Ghanaian public. Now in power, he argued, the party has shifted its position, abandoning the cause it once championed.
The Opposition Phase (Pre-2025)
Recounting events leading up to the 2024 elections, Rev. Fordjour noted that when the bill was introduced in 2021 as a private member’s bill, it had bipartisan sponsorship.
He stated that he stood alongside seven NDC MPs in support of the bill, driven by what he described as the cultural and religious convictions of the majority of Ghanaians.
During this period, he said, the NDC strongly advocated for the bill, engaging religious bodies, civil society, and the general public while criticizing the then-government for delays.
He further recalled that then-presidential candidate John Dramani Mahama pledged to sign the bill into law and accused the previous administration of yielding to foreign pressure.
The Shift in Government (2025)
Rev. Fordjour argued that the NDC’s posture changed after assuming power in 2025.
He pointed to engagements with religious leaders, including the Catholic Bishops Conference, where President Mahama suggested introducing a government-sponsored bill instead of continuing with the private member’s version.
He also cited remarks by the President indicating that the earlier bill had effectively lapsed with the previous Parliament and should be reconsidered through broader stakeholder consultation. According to the MP, this marked a shift from firm political advocacy to a more cautious, process-driven approach.
Current Developments (2026)
Describing recent developments, Rev. Fordjour said the government has now adopted what he called a strategy of “distancing” from the bill.
He referenced remarks made by President Mahama on March 31, 2026, suggesting that the legislation is no longer a priority compared to other national needs.
He questioned this position, arguing that the same “basic needs” existed during the campaign period when the issue was heavily emphasized.
He further accused the President of presenting inconsistent positions to domestic and international audiences.
Concerns Over Education Policy
Rev. Fordjour also raised concerns about alleged contradictions in government policy regarding education.
He recalled that the President had proposed strengthening family values through curriculum reforms rather than legislation.
However, he claimed that recent developments involving teaching materials in senior high schools suggest the introduction of concepts inconsistent with those assurances.
He cited acknowledgments by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA) of controversial content, which authorities later described as an anomaly.
Conclusion and Demands
The NPP, he said, believes the developments reflect a broader pattern of political inconsistency. He outlined several demands:
- A realignment of government priorities to reflect what he described as the values of the majority of Ghanaians.
- An apology from the NDC to religious leaders, traditional authorities, and civil society groups.
3. Swift parliamentary action to pass the reintroduced bill.
He specifically called on parliamentary leadership, including Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga and Speaker Alban Bagbin, to ensure timely consideration of the legislation.
Rev. Fordjour concluded by reaffirming the NPP’s commitment to what he described as Ghana’s cultural and religious values, stating that the party would continue to hold the government accountable and advocate for policies aligned with the will of the people.
By Sampson Kumah Ifeetwube Elvis
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