Sam George Reintroduces Anti-LGBTQ Bill, Emphasizes Commitment to Ghanaian Values
Ningo-Prampram MP, Sam Nartey George, has reaffirmed his dedication to upholding Ghanaian family values by reintroducing the controversial anti-LGBTQ bill in Parliament. Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Tuesday night, the newly appointed Communications Minister stated that he has remained true to his promise, both to his constituents and traditional leaders, by bringing the bill back as a private member’s initiative.
According to George, he and a group of colleagues reintroduced the bill more than four weeks ago. While President Mahama had indicated a preference for the executive to take the lead in presenting the bill, George emphasized that his primary obligation lies with his constituents and chiefs who expect him to push for the legislation’s passage.
Reflecting on his vetting process, George explained that he made his stance clear in front of his chiefs and Parliament, pledging to reintroduce the bill once the new Parliament convened. “That was the mandate they gave me,” he said, adding that the bill’s objective is to preserve Ghanaian family values.
Though the government has the legal right to assume control of the bill during its consideration in Parliament, this has not yet occurred. George pointed out that the delay in progress is partly due to recent structural changes in Parliament, including the formation of a new committee responsible for handling private members’ bills—unlike the previous Parliament, where the bill was sent directly to the Constitutional Legal Affairs Committee.
He stressed that while there was widespread media attention on the bill between 2021 and 2022, formal parliamentary discussions didn’t begin until 2023. This time, however, he expects faster movement, citing the current super majority in Parliament and the fact that the bill remains unchanged from the version previously approved by the eighth Parliament.
George believes that this continuity means there should be minimal need for further public consultation or debate. As Parliament is currently on recess, he looks forward to resuming legislative work and expects the Private Members Bill Committee to handle the bill swiftly once sessions resume.
Concluding his remarks, George restated his unwavering commitment: “I have kept my fidelity and my promise to the Ghanaian people, to my chiefs, and to Parliament.”
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