Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Samuel Nartey George, has dismissed claims that he and other sponsors of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill have abandoned the proposed legislation.
Speaking at a stakeholder engagement organised by Parliament’s Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee on April 22, 2026, Mr George said the legislative process is still ongoing and remains a priority.
He described suggestions that he and his colleagues have withdrawn from the bill following his ministerial appointment as inaccurate.
“I have heard people say that my colleague sponsors and I have abandoned the bill, that we have run away because I’ve been appointed minister. That is not the case,” he stated.
Mr George acknowledged his co-sponsor, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, for publicly clarifying that the bill is still active and being pursued collectively.
“I appreciate his candour in addressing the matter and setting the record straight,” he added.
He, however, clarified that the bill has not yet been presented to President John Dramani Mahama, stressing that it must first go through the necessary parliamentary processes before it can be forwarded for presidential consideration.
“Let us be clear, there is no bill before President Mahama today,” he said, adding that calls from groups such as the Catholic Bishops Conference are justified given the sensitivity of the issue.
Mr George noted that the bill, which was passed by a previous Parliament but not assented to by then-President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, lapsed in 2024.
He emphasised that it is now the responsibility of Parliament to expedite consideration of the bill and transmit it for assent once processes are completed.
“I am confident that when the bill is presented, the President will do what is necessary,” he said.
According to him, lawmakers have already reviewed the clauses of the bill extensively, and only minimal changes are expected at this stage.
“As for the clauses, we have gone through them thoroughly and will proceed expeditiously. The core of the law remains unchanged,” he noted.
While acknowledging some proposals for refinement, Mr George maintained that the fundamental structure of the bill remains intact and urged Parliament to treat the matter with urgency due to its national importance.
The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill seeks to criminalise same-sex relationships and related advocacy activities.
Source:
oyerepafmonline.com