Dr. Matthew Opoku-Prempeh, the 2024 Vice-Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and former MP for Manhyia South, has urged Ghana’s Parliament to revisit and reconsider the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025. This call follows the recent controversial passage of the bill and expresses surprise at developments, echoing concerns previously raised by the President and Speaker of Parliament regarding procedural issues.
Context of the Bill and Controversy
The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, recently passed by Parliament, introduces sanctions for individuals involved in or promoting LGBTQ activities. Its passage has ignited significant debate and controversy both within and outside Ghana.
Adding to the controversy, Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has since directed Parliament to reconsider the bill. He cited procedural irregularities surrounding its passage and emphasized the importance of upholding the integrity and public confidence in the legislative process.
Calls for Broader Consensus
Speaking to journalists at the University of Ghana, Dr. Opoku-Prempeh, widely known as NAPO, stated that Parliament needs to “re-engage itself on the bill.” He clarified that reconsideration involves revisiting the entire process leading up to the final passage.
Dr. Opoku-Prempeh expressed surprise at the public statements made by President John Dramani Mahama and Speaker Bagbin, interpreting their strong reactions as indicators that “something really untoward had happened.” He believes the Speaker’s hint at reconsideration underscores the gravity of the situation.
The former MP argued that legislation concerning LGBTQ rights necessitates broad consensus and thorough parliamentary deliberation. He pointed to the Speaker’s admission of not anticipating the bill’s passage on that specific day as a cue for careful review.
Leadership and Political Education Forum
Dr. Opoku-Prempeh made these remarks during an engagement with students from the Political Science Department of the University of Ghana as part of the
Leave a Reply