Put the bill before him, he will sign – Yilo Krobo MP backs Mahama on LGBTQ+ law

Member of Parliament for Yilo Krobo, Albert Tetteh Nyakotey, has defended President John Mahama over concerns about the status of the controversial LGBTQ+ bill. His remarks come amid growing public debate and scrutiny over the government’s position on the legislation and its perceived delay.

He insists the President will assent to it when it is formally presented. According to him, the process surrounding the bill must follow constitutional procedures, and any delay should not be interpreted as a lack of commitment by the presidency.

Speaking on PM Express on Tuesday, the MP aligned himself with the presidency’s recent position that the issue is not an immediate national priority. He explained that governance involves prioritizing multiple pressing national concerns, including economic recovery and social development.

The presidency has come under scrutiny after indicating that LGBTQ matters are currently not a priority for the government, sparking debate about its commitment to the proposed legislation. Critics argue that the delay raises questions about political will, while supporters believe the government is taking a measured approach.

But Mr Nyakotey said the President’s position must be understood within context. He emphasized that political statements must be interpreted based on prevailing national circumstances and historical developments.

“I will say yes, I agree with the President. What I heard the President say was that the bill is not a priority now, and whether it’s a priority or not depends on the context.”

He pointed to developments under former President Nana Akufo-Addo to explain the sensitivity surrounding the issue. According to him, past events have significantly shaped public perception and reactions to LGBTQ-related discussions in Ghana.

“During the time of President Akufo-Addo, we remember on the 31st of January, I think 2021, there was an advocacy centre that was opened at Osu. And then not long after, the President was interviewed, and he said that LGBTQ rights were bound to be granted. This is what he said at the time.”

According to him, those comments triggered public anxiety and strong reactions. The issue quickly became a major topic of national debate, drawing responses from religious groups, civil society, and political actors.

“So naturally, there was a lot of agitation because people did not have confidence in the President that he was going to do the right thing. Once we had the elections, the agitations went down.”

Mr Nyakotey argued that President Mahama has since made Ghana’s position clear on the international stage. He noted that the current administration has consistently emphasized national sovereignty and cultural values in its engagements with global partners.

“And if you remember, even on your news item of March 27, 2026, in the US, the President insisted, and defended the stance of Ghana and the stance of the government, that the international community should not come and impose any ideas on us.”

He stressed that the President has already signalled his readiness to act once the legislative process is complete. According to him, the President’s commitment is clear and should not be doubted.

“So the President defended it and said that once it gets to him, it’s going to be signed.”

The MP clarified that the current delay is procedural, not political. He explained that the bill has not yet reached the stage where presidential assent is required.

“This is a private members' bill, which is initiated by a group of individuals. So today, as we are speaking, there’s no document before the President to sign.”

He maintained that once the bill is properly transmitted, there will be no hesitation from the presidency. He urged the public to remain patient and allow due process to take its course.

“I believe strongly that once we transmit a document or put a before the President, the President is going to sign it.”

The ongoing debate continues to generate mixed reactions across Ghana, with stakeholders closely watching how the legislative process unfolds and what decision will ultimately be taken by the President.