Shoppers are turning to Ghana’s parliament for the latest drama: Rev John Ntim Fordjour, Assin South MP and Deputy Education Minister, has publicly denied claims he is homosexual after an accusation from transgender personality Angel Maxine , a denial that arrives as the controversial Human Sexual Rights and Family Values (Anti-LGBTQ+) Bill is set to be tabled in Parliament.
Essential Takeaways
- Clear denial: Rev John Ntim Fordjour says the allegations are false and meant to smear his reputation.
- Political context: The MP is a vocal supporter of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill.
- Parliamentary move: Speaker Alban Bagbin has ordered the bill to be scheduled for consideration after a financial analysis.
- High-profile debate: Minister Samuel Nartey George remains committed to criminalisation of LGBTQ+ activities, keeping the issue in the national spotlight.
- Legal backdrop: Past Supreme Court challenges to the bill were dismissed, leaving parliamentary debate as the next battleground.
What Rev John Ntim Fordjour said , and how he framed it
Rev Fordjour spoke on Okay FM, pushing back hard and calling the allegation an attempt to tarnish his name. He pointed to his public support for the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill as proof it couldn’t be true, using a sharp analogy to underline his point. The tone was defensive and emphatic, and the exchange carries a personal sting , the kind of story that sticks in the public mind.
The response shows how personal accusations can quickly become political weapons. Supporters of the bill are likely to rally around him, while critics will point to the way identity and allegation are being used as rhetorical tools.
Why the timing matters for the bill
Speaker Alban Bagbin’s directive to table the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill matters because it moves the measure from committee corridors to the main floor. The Speaker cited a Financial Impact Analysis that found no burden on the consolidated fund, a procedural hurdle cleared.
That procedural green light won’t end the debate. Expect a fierce parliamentary showdown, media coverage, protests and more legal challenges. For MPs, the timing raises questions about political capital and public reaction as the country eyes whether criminalisation becomes law.
Where key politicians stand, and what they say
Samuel Nartey George , who has been a highly visible campaigner on this subject , reiterated his opposition to LGBTQ+ activities and said he won’t waver. His words frame the issue as a defence of children and family values, language that resonates with many voters.
Meanwhile, President John Mahama has previously described the bill as a priority for his government, which keeps the matter firmly on the national agenda. Those positions make this more than a private spat; it’s a public policy flashpoint.
The legal and civic backdrop to the controversy
Attempts to stop the bill in the courts have already failed: petitions were dismissed by the Supreme Court in late 2024. That makes Parliament the next decisive venue for contesting the bill’s future.
Civic groups and human-rights activists are likely to use protests, media campaigns and international pressure. For ordinary citizens, the questions are practical as well as moral: how would any new law be enforced, and what would it mean for everyday life in Ghana?
How to make sense of the headlines if you’re watching this unfold
Follow three smart habits: watch parliamentary sittings for the formal debate, read statements from both supporters and opponents to hear the legal and moral case, and look out for civil-society reactions that signal public mobilisation. If you’re concerned about legal consequences, speak to a rights lawyer or trusted civil group , this is where change is likely to be felt first.
The story mixes reputation, religion, law and politics , expect it to keep simmering as MPs, activists and the public pick sides.
It's a small change that can make every public accusation and every vote count.
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