The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, has expressed strong confidence that President John Mahama will assent to the anti-LGBTQ bill once it is passed.
Speaking on Adom FM Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Ibrahim argued that Ghana’s political class, particularly Christian politicians, remain deeply guided by their spiritual leaders, stressing that pressure from influential Christian leaders plays a key role in shaping decisions.
He specifically pointed to the General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God, Rev. Stephen Wengam, as a significant moral force whose position cannot be ignored. According to him, such religious leadership would not “spare” Mahama should he fail to sign the bill.
“Christian politicians are being shepherded by our pastors, and we respect and listen to them,” he stated, adding that this influence will be decisive in ensuring the bill receives presidential assent.
“Because if not, his pastor, the General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God, Rev. Wengam, won’t spare him,” Ibrahim remarked, underscoring the weight of religious expectations on political leaders.
The Banda MP also referenced past moments where religious pressure shaped parliamentary decisions, citing Rev. Opuni and others who were instrumental in influencing former Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu during earlier debates on the bill.
“That was why Rev. Opuni and others were able to mount pressure on Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu… for the bill to be passed,” he noted.
Ibrahim further called for calm among Ghanaians, insisting that the legislative process would follow through to its conclusion.
“I will urge calm among Ghanaians, and I want to assure them that the bill will be passed, and Mahama is also ready to assent it,” he said, projecting confidence in the outcome.
He urged supporters of the bill to remain united and focused, warning against any attempts to derail momentum, while pushing back strongly against skeptics, suggesting that those who doubt the bill’s passage should be disregarded.
“We need a united front and not be distracted by any attempts to discourage us. We need to gather the momentum. I say anyone who says no government can sign the bill must be hooted at because President Mahama will do,” he declared.
The comments come amid ongoing national debate over the controversial anti-LGBTQ legislation, which continues to divide opinion across political, religious, and civil society lines.
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