A leading member of the Convention People’s Party (CPP), Kwame Jantuah has warned that if President John Dramani Mahama does not sign the contentious LGBTQ bill into law, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) risks losing the 2028 presidential election.
According to him, the Ghanaian electorate’s position on same-sex relations is clear, and any government that ignores popular opinion risks being rejected at the polls.
Speaking on the Weekly Review Segment of the Morning Starr, Mr. Jantuah argued the NPP’s defeat in the 2024 general elections should serve as a wake-up call for the current administration. He claimed that one of the primary reasons Ghanaians voted out the New Patriotic Party (NPP) was their failure to pass the anti-gay bill, which many citizens saw as evidence of the government’s disregard for popular opinion.
“The NPP lost power because they failed to sign the anti-gay bill, and Ghanaians were not happy about that. If the NDC wants to retain power, they must listen to what the people are saying. Otherwise, history could repeat itself,” he warned.
Following claims by some Minority members that the Majority merely pushed for the passage of the LGBTQ bill as a political tactic to win over the public, Professor Jantuah’s remarks coincide with a renewed debate in Parliament. Both sides have been accused by critics of utilizing the bill as a political tool instead of tackling the fundamental ethical and legal issues it brings up.
The LGBTQ bill, officially titled the “Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill,” has been one of the most divisive pieces of legislation in Ghana’s Fourth Republic. It seeks to criminalize same-sex relationships, as well as advocacy and support for LGBTQ causes.
Despite widespread public support, human rights organizations and international partners have criticized the bill, alleging that it violates fundamental liberties guaranteed by the constitution.
However, Mr. Jantuah insists that the government should prioritize Ghanaians’ sentiments over external pressure.
“Ghana is a sovereign state, and our leaders must uphold our cultural values and beliefs,” he stated.
“The people have clearly stated their position on this issue, and ignoring them could cost the ruling party politically.”
His remarks have sparked debate on social media, with many agreeing that the LGBTQ bill could once again play a significant role in determining voter behavior ahead of the 2028 elections.
Story by: Benedict Wiafe
