NDC will lose 2028 elections if Mahama… – Ntim Fordjour

The Member of Parliament for Assin South, Reverend Ntim Fordjour, has made it clear that the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) could face a crushing defeat in the 2028 elections if President John Dramani Mahama fails to approve the widely debated Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, popularly known as the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill.

According to Rev. Fordjour, any sitting president who fails to treat this bill with the seriousness it deserves—whether or not they plan to seek re-election—could put their political party’s future in danger. He argued that the bill touches on sensitive cultural and moral beliefs held by the majority of Ghanaians, and as such, it has become a key political issue.

In a conversation with Kafui Dey, which was shared in a video on YouTube, the MP, who is also one of the eight parliamentarians who initially sponsored the bill, insisted that matters related to LGBTQ+ rights have become a major factor influencing political decisions both in Ghana and elsewhere. He believes this is why the bill cannot be ignored or treated as a minor issue by any leader.

“If he doesn’t sign it, it will be the Ghanaian people who show him the red card and register their disagreement. Any president who jokes with this bill—even if you’re not running again—jeopardizes the fortunes of your own party because it is such a politically sensitive issue. The 6.3 million votes the NDC secured—93% of that support—could turn into anger if this bill is mishandled. That is what the 2021 CDD Afrobarometer survey reflects,” he said.

Rev. Fordjour further advised politicians to think beyond their personal ambitions and consider the overall future of their political parties. He said mishandling the bill would not only harm a president’s reputation but could also cost the party its support base.

“So if you’re a political figure and your personal ambitions are not your priority, think about the fortunes of your party and handle this bill wisely. If President Mahama does not sign the bill, the NDC will lose miserably in 2028. Any credible political poll will likely support the CDD’s position in the 2021 Afrobarometer survey. LGBTQ+ issues play a significant role in shaping political behavior—not just in Ghana but in many other countries. That is why any president who cares about their party’s future cannot afford to joke with this bill,” he added.

Meanwhile, Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has confirmed that the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill is set to be reintroduced in Parliament. It is scheduled to receive its first reading during the second meeting of the Ninth Parliament.

The bill aims to criminalize LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana, along with any form of advocacy, promotion, or funding that supports such practices. It has stirred deep national discussions, with strong opinions on both sides—some advocating for Ghana’s cultural and moral values, while others raise concerns about human rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution.

“Three private members’ bills—the Property Rights of Spouses Bill 2025, the Constitution of the Republic of Ghana Amendment Bill 2025, and the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill 2025—have completed the required processes under the Standing Orders and are expected to be presented for a first reading during this meeting,” he stated.

The bill was first passed by the Eighth Parliament but could not become law because it did not receive presidential assent during the tenure of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. That delay kept the bill in limbo, but its return to Parliament is expected to reignite debates across the country and even attract global attention.

As Parliament prepares to deliberate once again on the bill, many expect heated discussions around how Ghana can maintain its cultural values while upholding constitutional freedoms. The upcoming debates are likely to involve civil society groups, religious organizations, international observers, and ordinary citizens, all of whom hold strong views about the future direction of Ghanaian society.

For now, the pressure is on President Mahama. Should the bill be passed again, he will be faced with the decision of whether to sign it into law. The response he gives could have long-term consequences for both his administration and the NDC as a political party.