Debate deepens as NPP weighs in on Mahama’s LGBTQ+ stance
President John Dramani Mahama’s recent remarks that the LGBTQ+ issue is “not Ghana’s top priority” have ignited an even broader national debate, following a strong intervention by the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) at a press conference.
The NPP criticised what it described as an apparent shift in the President’s position, questioning the consistency of his leadership on a matter they say touches the moral and cultural foundations of the nation.
At the Presidential Dialogue with Civil Society Organisations earlier this week, President Mahama urged restraint, dialogue and a focus on pressing socio-economic challenges such as unemployment, healthcare and education. He described the LGBTQ+ issue as “sensitive” but not urgent in the current national context.
However, today’s response from the NPP has intensified public scrutiny, with the party insisting that leadership must remain firm and predictable on issues of principle, particularly those that have previously attracted strong public consensus.
Within faith circles, the central question remains unchanged: What has changed?
Adding his voice to the growing concern, Ken Ashigbey, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines and a long-standing campaigner, challenged the perceived shift:
“What has changed? What was his position in the past? What was wrong in the past is wrong today. What was urgent in the past should still be urgent today.”
Only months ago, the President was widely seen as supportive of the principles underpinning the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, and had indicated a willingness to assent to legislation duly passed by Parliament.
The contrast between that earlier posture and his current emphasis on prioritisation and process has raised concern among religious leaders, including the Catholic Church, which continues to uphold the sanctity of marriage and family life as central to society.
The Church’s position remains consistent: while every individual must be treated with dignity and respect, moral truth must not be obscured or relativised.
Analysts note that the convergence of political pressure, civil society advocacy and international interest has made the issue even more complex. Yet, for many Ghanaians, the expectation is simple—clarity, consistency and courage in leadership.
As debate intensifies across the political divide, the call for a clear and principled position from the Presidency is growing louder.
