I know of 2 genders; man and woman - President comments on the LGBTQI controversy

The government is liaising with the Speaker of Parliament to reintroduce the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, 2021, commonly referred to as the “Anti-LGBTQI Bill”. 

President John Dramani Mahama, who made this known yesterday, said this time around, the government planned to sponsor the bill itself, rather than leaving it to private members.

The move comes after the bill was passed by Parliament on February 28, last year, but could not be assented to by the President before the life of the Eighth Parliament ended.

President Mahama, who was addressing Christian leaders at “Fellowship with the Clergy ceremony” at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC), said only two genders existed – a man and a woman.

“I, as a Christian, uphold the values that only two genders exist as man and woman and that marriage is between a man and woman.

I have spoken with the Speaker so that a renewal of the expired Proper Family Values Bill should be a bill that is introduced by the government rather than as a private member motion,” he stated.

“It is my hope that, that consultation will see a renewed Proper Family Values Bill.

I believe that my leadership should be a reflection of the people that I govern and upon this I stand firm,” President Mahama declared.

Meeting

The meeting with leaders of the Christian community is part of the President’s efforts aimed at strengthening the partnership with religious leaders in the country, as well as engaging them on matters of national interest.

Present at the solemn ceremony, which lasted for about three hours, were the Founder and Overseer of the Action Chapel International, Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams, the General Overseer of the Royalhouse Chapel International, Rev. Sam Korankye Ankrah, the Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, the Founder and General Overseer of the Glorious Word Power Ministries International, Rev. Isaac Owusu-Bempah, and more than 200 pastors of the orthodox, Pentecostal and charismatic faith.

The President was also joined by some of his ministers and other appointees.

Economic reset

President Mahama noted the importance of agriculture in helping the country to achieve economic self-sufficiency and food security.

He said the government was focused on strengthening the sector to ensure food security.

“A nation that cannot feed itself cannot prosper. That is why we are making aggressive interventions in the agricultural sector,” President Mahama said.

The President explained that, “by modernising farming techniques, investing in agro-processing, and supporting our farmers, we will lay a solid foundation for a prosperous future.”

President Mahama also assured the Christian community of his commitment to tackling the country’s present economic challenges.

He said a clear plan to restore financial stability, create jobs and ensure economic resilience was already being rolled out.

“Our immediate priority is to stabilise the economy and restore confidence in Ghana”.

“We will stabilise our currency, bring down interest rates, reduce inflation, cut the deficit, and improve our financial standing,” President Mahama said. 

Don’t change

Archbishop Duncan-Williams commended President Mahama for being a man who “doesn’t forget” and possessed great humility.

He recalled an incident where someone who had offended the President approached him, saying despite the past offence, President Mahama embraced the individual warmly.

Archbishop Duncan-Williams said that act of forgiveness left him wondering, “What kind of a man is President Mahama?”

The Action Chapel International founder added that, “he doesn’t forget.

When you read Hebrews 10:15, it says anyone who doesn’t remember where he or she is coming from is not righteous,” he said. 

Archbishop Duncan-Williams urged President Mahama to remain the same and never change.

“You are not vindictive; please don’t change.

Ministers don’t pay evil with evil, and don’t use the power of the President to settle scores,” he said.