The Majority Chief Whip, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, has stated that President John Dramani Mahama is prepared to assent to the controversial Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill once Parliament completes its approval processes and formally presents the bill to him.

According to Mr. Dafeamekpor, the President has no reservations about signing the bill and is ready to grant prompt assent immediately it is passed by Parliament.

Speaking in an interview with Accra-based Joy News on Tuesday, the Majority Chief Whip said President Mahama is firmly committed to the bill and supports its objectives.

“I am saying the person who will sign says, ‘My pen is ready. The ink is dripping.’ If you bring it today, I’ll sign it in the next minute,” Mr. Dafeamekpor stated.

The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill seeks to regulate matters relating to sexual orientation, gender identity, family values, and related advocacy activities in Ghana. The proposed legislation has generated intense national and international debate since it was first introduced in Parliament.

Supporters of the bill, including religious organisations, traditional authorities, and conservative civil society groups, argue that the legislation is necessary to protect Ghana’s cultural values, moral principles, and the traditional family system.

However, the bill has faced strong opposition from human rights organisations, legal practitioners, and sections of the international community, who contend that some of its provisions could infringe on fundamental human rights guaranteed under Ghana’s Constitution and international human rights treaties to which the country is a signatory.

Mr. Dafeamekpor reiterated the ruling majority’s determination to ensure the passage of the bill, stressing that Parliament remains committed to reflecting the will of the Ghanaian people.

“We want to assure the nation and all faith-based institutions and religious bodies that this bill will be passed. Even before we kick-started the process, the President was already in readiness to sign,” he said.