By: Sarah Baafi
A sharp national debate has erupted over the LGBTQ+ bill following comments by Kwame Jantuah during a discussion on GTV, where he defended the position of President John Dramani Mahama and questioned the growing criticism surrounding the issue.
Kwame Jantuah argued that President Mahama’s statement that the bill is “not the most pressing priority” has been widely misinterpreted. He maintained that the president did not dismiss the bill, but rather placed it within a broader hierarchy of national concerns.
He stressed that Ghana’s governance structure is based on separation of powers, insisting that the courts do not control the core responsibilities of the president, especially in relation to assenting to legislation.
His remarks come amid heightened political pressure after the Minority in Parliament accused the government of deliberately delaying action on the LGBTQ+ bill. Addressing a press conference, Rev. Ntim Fordjour, who is also Ranking Member on Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, argued that the delay signals a lack of commitment and undermines public expectations.
Kwame Jantuah rejected this claim, insisting that prioritization does not amount to inaction. He emphasized that leadership requires sequencing issues based on urgency, not abandoning them.
He, however, acknowledged the political stakes involved. He warned that if the bill is eventually presented to President Mahama and he refuses to sign it, the earlier remarks could be used to question his consistency.
He further argued that public sentiment remains a key factor, noting that many Ghanaians expect firm action on the bill. He added that national decisions must reflect local values rather than external pressure.
The exchange highlights deepening divisions over the LGBTQ+ debate, with legal interpretation, political strategy, and public opinion all converging on one of the country’s most contentious policy issues.
