The Majority Chief Whip, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor has made it clear that President John Dramani Mahama is ready to sign the controversial Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill as soon as it is properly approved by Parliament and brought before him.
In an interview with Accra-based Joy News, Tuesday, Dafeamekpor said the President has no qualms about signing the bill, emphasizing that President Mahama is ready to grant it prompt assent once the parliamentary process is finished.
According to the Majority Chief Whip, the President is steadfast in his support of the bill.
“I am saying the person who will sign says, ‘My pen is ready. The ink is dripping’. If you bring it today, I’ll sign it in the next minute.”
The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill has sparked widespread national and international debate due to its attempt to regulate matters relating to sexual orientation, gender identity, family values, and associated advocacy activities in Ghana.
Proponents of the bill, including religious organisations, traditional authorities, and conservative civil society groups, maintain that the legislation is essential for safeguarding Ghana’s cultural norms, moral principles, and the traditional family system.
However, the bill has drawn strong opposition from human rights groups, legal practitioners, and segments of the international community, who argue that some of its provisions may violate fundamental rights enshrined in Ghana’s Constitution as well as international human rights treaties to which Ghana is a party.
Mr. Dafeamekpor reiterated the ruling majority’s determination to see the bill passed, insisting that Parliament is still dedicated to representing the desire of the Ghanaian people.
“We want to assure the nation and all the faith-based institutions and religious bodies that this bill, we will pass it just like a year ago, before we even kickstart that project, the president is in readiness to sign.”
