The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has cautioned political leaders against trivialising national discussions on family values, stressing that moral issues tied to identity and social structure must not be treated as secondary in Ghana’s development agenda.
In a pastoral and public statement issued on Friday, April 10, the Conference expressed concern that recent comments by President John Dramani Mahama and Government Communications Minister Felix Kwakye Ofosu risk undermining issues many Ghanaians consider central to the nation’s moral and cultural foundation.
The bishops were reacting to remarks attributed to President Mahama at the World Affairs Council, where LGBTQ+ issues were reportedly described as not among the country’s most pressing priorities.
In a related commentary, the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications characterised the issue as not a major concern for most Ghanaians and suggested that the ongoing debate amounts to a waste of time.
While acknowledging the need to address urgent economic challenges, the bishops warned that such positions could create the impression that issues concerning human identity, family life and social continuity are unimportant.
They argued that sustainable national development cannot rely on economic policy alone, emphasising that values serve as what they described as the “invisible architecture” supporting stable societies.
Rejecting what they called a false choice between economic growth and moral responsibility, the Conference insisted that both must progress together. It pointed to global evidence suggesting that strong family structures contribute to better educational outcomes, reduced crime rates and improved economic mobility.
“The family, in quiet ways, is a nation’s most efficient social welfare system,” the statement said, cautioning that weakening its moral foundation could undermine long-term development.
According to the bishops, debates on marriage, sexuality and family continue to resonate widely across Ghanaian society, cutting across religious, cultural and civic spheres. They maintained that such issues remain central to national identity and social cohesion.
Reaffirming their stance, the Conference defined family values as rooted in marriage between a man and a woman, focused on mutual support and the upbringing of children. It described the family as the primary institution for shaping character and civic responsibility.
At the same time, the bishops emphasised the importance of upholding the dignity of every individual, regardless of sexual orientation or identity. They condemned violence, hatred and unjust discrimination, describing such acts as moral failings that must not be tolerated.
They stressed that protecting human dignity and preserving the family institution are not opposing principles, but complementary values necessary for building a just and balanced society.
On the ongoing legislative process surrounding the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, the Conference urged President Mahama to honour his earlier public commitment to assent to the bill if it is duly passed by Parliament in line with constitutional procedures.
The bishops, however, acknowledged that some provisions of the bill have raised concerns and called for careful scrutiny to ensure the final legislation reflects both the moral convictions of Ghanaians and the constitutional protection of fundamental rights.
They further called for a more respectful and measured national conversation, warning that dismissive language could alienate segments of the population for whom the issue carries deep moral significance.
The Conference urged all stakeholders — including government, Parliament, religious leaders, traditional authorities and civil society — to engage constructively and with mutual respect.
“The tone of our discourse matters as much as its content,” the statement noted, adding that national conversations should build trust rather than deepen division.
The bishops concluded by noting that Ghana stands at a critical juncture where economic ambition intersects with moral definition, and that decisions taken now will shape the country’s future for generations.
They called for wisdom, justice and compassion in navigating the debate, while reaffirming the Church’s commitment to contributing to national discussions in a way that promotes dialogue and understanding.
