Anti-LGBTQI bill reintroduced as Private Member's Bill-Sam George

The anti-LGBTQ bill has resurfaced in Ghana’s Parliament, this time as a private member’s bill spearheaded by Ningo-Prampram MP Sam Nartey George, alongside several other lawmakers. 

The move does not originate from the executive branch but rather reflects a personal commitment by the MP to his constituents and traditional leaders.

Speaking on PM Express on Joy News, Mr. George confirmed that the bill had been reintroduced weeks earlier. 

While acknowledging that President Mahama had hoped the government would take charge of the reintroduction, the MP emphasized that his primary obligation was to the people who elected him. 

He reaffirmed that the goal of the bill is to uphold what he described as Ghanaian family values, a mandate he says was entrusted to him by his community.

Although the government has the authority to assume control of the bill’s legislative journey, it has yet to do so. For now, it continues its course through the private members’ process.

Mr. George also addressed delays in the legislative procedure, attributing them to recent structural changes in Parliament. 

He recalled that the original version of the bill was submitted in 2021 but only gained real traction in 2023, highlighting the slow-moving nature of parliamentary processes. However, he expressed optimism about the current Parliament, noting the presence of a super majority that could expedite the bill’s passage.

With Parliament currently in recess, Sam George looks forward to renewed deliberations once sessions resume. He expressed confidence that the new committee leadership will act swiftly.