Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Sam Nartey George, has dismissed claims that he has softened his stance on LGBTQ+ issues, insisting that his position remains unchanged despite months of public silence.
Speaking to bloggers after over a year in government, the Ningo-Prampram MP explained that his quietness had been deliberate, attributing it to widespread misinformation surrounding the issue.
“I have not changed my position on LGBTQ+,” he stated, adding that his actions in Parliament speak louder than public commentary.
The outspoken lawmaker revealed that he has already fulfilled his promise by reintroducing the controversial Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill in August last year, this time as a private member’s bill backed by several colleagues.
According to him, the bill is currently undergoing parliamentary processes, with the Committee on Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs set to deliberate on it in the coming weeks.
The outspoken politician emphasized that until Parliament passes the bill, there is nothing before President John Dramani Mahama to assent to, rejecting claims that he has failed to pressure the presidency.
“I have stayed true to my word. The process is ongoing, and when it is completed, we will present it to the President,” he assured on April 10
BACKGROUND
Sam Nartey George, the Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram and a leading figure within the National Democratic Congress (NDC), played a central role in Ghana’s debate on LGBTQ+ rights while in opposition.
He served as the lead sponsor of the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, widely referred to as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, which was first introduced in Parliament in 2021.
He spearheaded the introduction of the private member’s bill, working alongside seven other Members of Parliament. The proposed legislation sought to impose strict penalties on LGBTQ+ activities, advocacy, and promotion in Ghana.
During his time in opposition, he championed the bill across various media platforms, consistently framing his position around the protection of Ghanaian family values and cultural norms.
By Joseph Owusu Worae
