By: Kenneth Appiah Bani
Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Samuel Nartey George, has reiterated his determination to secure the passage of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, stating that his re-election to Parliament comes with a clear directive from his constituents to see the process through.
Speaking during a stakeholder engagement organised by Parliament’s Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee, Mr. George described his return to the 9th Parliament as driven by what he termed “unfinished business” from his previous term.
According to him, traditional leaders and residents within his constituency endorsed his re-election with the expectation that he would reintroduce and facilitate the passage of the bill, which was a key legislative focus during the 8th Parliament.
“The chiefs and people have returned me to Parliament because they believed I had unfinished business, which was the passage of this bill,” he stated, adding that the proposed legislation has since been reintroduced alongside co-sponsors and is currently undergoing the required parliamentary procedures.
Mr. George emphasised that the bill has already been subjected to extensive legislative scrutiny over a prolonged period. He noted that it underwent more than two and a half years of deliberations at both committee and plenary levels before its initial passage.
He recalled that on February 28, 2024, Parliament of Ghana unanimously approved the bill, describing the decision as a significant moment in the country’s legislative history.
The lawmaker further suggested that Ghana’s legislative efforts have had broader continental influence, pointing to similar actions taken by other African nations. He cited Uganda and Senegal as examples of countries that have introduced or strengthened comparable legislation in recent years.
Addressing concerns about the potential economic implications of such laws, Mr. George maintained that these countries have not experienced sanctions as a result of their legislative decisions.
Despite advocating for swift progress, he underscored the importance of adhering strictly to due process to safeguard the bill against legal challenges. He referenced previous court actions filed against the bill in 2024, noting that its survival was largely due to the rigorous procedures followed during its consideration.
“We will respect the processes for the passage of the private member’s bill through every single phase. Even though we want expediency, we must do what the law requires,” he said.
He cautioned that any attempt to rush the process could expose the legislation to procedural challenges after passage, potentially undermining its implementation.
In a related comment, Mr. George referenced a social media personality known as “Headucator,” alleging that the individual could face legal consequences under the proposed legislation. He cited a previously circulated video and claims of online promotion of same-sex conduct as grounds for potential charges, should the bill become law.
The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill continues to generate widespread public debate, with strong opinions expressed across political, legal, and civil society spaces as Parliament advances its clause-by-clause consideration.
