Recent comments by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Presidential Candidate, John Dramani Mahama, about the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2024, have sparked comments from some Ghanaians ahead of the general elections on Saturday, December 7.

The Bill, passed by Parliament in February, addresses LGBTQ+ issues and has drawn significant attention due to its proposed punitive measures, including penalties for LGBTQ+ identification, advocacy, or support, as well as restrictions on the activities of organizations working on matters of inclusivity and non-discrimination.

In an interview with the BBC on Wednesday, December 4, John Dramani Mahama explained what his motivation to assent to the bill will be, should he be elected as the next president, stating that it would "depend on what is in the bill."

The former president attributed his measured approach to the cultural and religious values observed in Ghana, emphasising the need for careful consideration of the nation's context.

“It is not an anti-LGBTQ+ Bill but a Family Values Bill that was unanimously approved by Parliament. The President should share any concerns about the bill and either refer it back to Parliament for further review or seek advice from the Council of State,” he told the BBC.

Following the interview, public reactions to the NDC flagbearer’s comments have been mixed.

Some Ghanaians have expressed disappointment, suggesting he avoided taking a clear position on the matter, while others believe his response reflects a balanced and thoughtful approach.

A Facebook user, Eunice Smith, for instance, commented, “You trust this man at your own peril. Simple yes or no he was beating about the bush. Meanwhile he was asking Nana Addo to sign the bill,” with support from one Selasie Jesus Reigns, who also said “I’m disappointed at John Dramani Mahama’s response. A simple ‘Yes’ or ‘No’… I thought you were different.”

On X, a user @staywicked_FCB quizzed “Is he trying to say he’s not aware of what’s in the bill championed by his own party member? What a skillful conman.”
Some Ghanaians have however shown support for the former president, insisting that his response is politically sound, and does not risk harm to nonbinary people in the country.

Here are some of those comments shared on social media:







Meanwhile, watch how Madina erupted during Mahama’s arrival at NDC’s final rally:



AE