The Member of Parliament for Akwatia, Bernard Bediako Baidoo, has defended John Dramani Mahama, insisting that the President has not breached any promise regarding the anti-LGBTQ bill as the legislative process is still ongoing in Parliament.
Speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show on Wednesday, April 8, Mr Baidoo argued that criticism of the President is premature since the bill has not yet been finalised and presented for presidential assent.
His comments come in response to concerns raised by the Minority, particularly by John Ntim Fordjour, who alleged that elements related to LGBTQ issues were being introduced into Ghana’s Constitution through the ongoing constitutional review process. The Minority has since called on the President and the governing National Democratic Congress to apologise to religious and traditional leaders for allegedly failing to prioritise the bill.
Mr Baidoo, however, dismissed the demands, stating that the opposition New Patriotic Party lacks the moral authority to criticise the current administration.
“They are the last to talk about LGBTQ because they disappointed us,” he said, urging critics to allow Parliament to complete its work. He emphasised the principle of separation of powers, noting that the President cannot interfere in parliamentary proceedings.
“What is the president expected to do at this moment?” he questioned. “Parliament is still working on it. When they are done, and the bill is presented to him, then he can make a decision. If he refuses to sign, then he can be called out.”
Mr Baidoo stressed that President Mahama should only be judged after the bill is formally presented to him, maintaining that no promise has been broken at this stage.
He also referenced former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, accusing the previous administration of failing to assent to the bill despite completing the legislative process. According to him, although the bill was ready, it was not signed into law before the end of the former President’s tenure.
On that basis, Mr Baidoo insisted that calls for an apology from President Mahama are unfounded, reiterating that accountability should only arise after Parliament concludes its work and the bill is submitted for assent.
