The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) is demanding the restoration of the original version of the 2024 Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, insisting it should be transmitted to President John Mahama for assent without further amendments.

In a statement signed by Minority Leader Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, the Minority Caucus said its position on the legislation remains unchanged and reiterated its opposition to the normalisation or promotion of LGBTQ+ practices in Ghana.

The caucus argued that the version of the Bill passed in 2024 reflected the cultural, religious and moral convictions of the majority of Ghanaians and should be maintained in its original form.

It said, “The NPP unequivocally rejects the normalisation, promotion or protection of LGBTQ+ values and practices within Ghanaian society. This position is consistent with the views of the people we are in politics to serve, the Ghanaian people.”

The Minority also insisted that the Bill passed in 2024 should be forwarded for presidential assent, arguing that subsequent amendments in Parliament have significantly altered its original intent.

The statement accused the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) of shifting its position on the legislation after previously supporting its passage while in opposition.

According to the NPP, the reintroduced Bill has undergone more than 30 amendments, which it described as a departure from the earlier consensus in Parliament.

It further criticised what it called inconsistencies in the NDC’s handling of the legislation, including differing public statements from senior government officials on whether the Bill met parliamentary quorum requirements.

The Minority also referenced comments attributed to President Mahama suggesting that his administration is not in a rush to see the Bill become law, as well as reported discussions with foreign leaders on the matter.

The NPP said such developments raise concerns about the government’s commitment to the legislation and called for clarity and consistency in its handling.

It maintained that the central issue is whether the governing party will honour its previous stance on the Bill and allow the 2024 version to proceed for assent.