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Ntim Fordjour accuses NDC of trying to block anti-LGBTQ bill
The Member of Parliament for Assin South, John Ntim Fordjour, has accused the National Democratic Congress (NDC) of attempting to frustrate the reintroduction of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, popularly known as the Anti-LGBTQ Bill.
Speaking to the media in Parliament, Ntim Fordjour, who is one of the proponents of the bill, expressed disappointment in what he described as the NDC’s attempt to “run away” from the legislation.
He said it was surprising to hear the Majority Leader claim that the Speaker of Parliament was unaware of the bill’s current status.
“We’re disappointed in the NDC for attempting to run away from the Bill. It’s surprising to hear the Majority Leader claim the Speaker is unaware of it. that simply cannot be true,” he said.
The Assin South MP explained that the bill had gone through all the necessary parliamentary processes before the recent confusion.
He said the Speaker of Parliament had approved the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill 2025 after it was reviewed by the Legislative Drafting Department and the Attorney General’s office.
The bill, he noted, was also referred to the Committee on Private Members’ Bills, chaired by the First Deputy Speaker, who made recommendations that were accepted by the Speaker.
Ntim Fordjour added that Parliament had submitted the bill for gazetting before going on recess.
He said it was duly advertised on Monday, October 21, 2025, for its first reading and referral to the Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee.
However, he alleged that members of the NDC had secretly removed the bill from Parliament’s order paper despite its proper advertisement.
According to him, the removal suggested a deliberate attempt by the government to avoid passing the bill, which he said reflected the views of the overwhelming majority of Ghanaians.
He cited an Afrobarometer survey indicating that 93 percent of Ghanaians considered LGBTQ-related practices contrary to Ghanaian culture and values.
He called on Parliament to restore the bill to the order paper and ensure its immediate passage.
“We will not allow the NDC government to run away from the bill. It’s a bill that is important to all Ghanaians. We are demanding that the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill be passed now,” he stated.
Ntim Fordjour maintained that all due procedures had been followed and insisted that both the Speaker, the Clerk, and the First Deputy Speaker were aware of every step taken.
He urged Parliament to act swiftly to reintroduce the bill and uphold what he described as Ghana’s traditional and moral values.
By: Jacob Aggrey
![Mrs Georgina Quaittoo [third from right] pose with some members of the Association Photos Okai Elizabeth.](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Mrs-Georgina-Quaittoo-third-from-right-pose-with-some-members-of-the-Association-Photos-Okai-Elizabeth-400x240.jpg)
![Mrs Georgina Quaittoo [third from right] pose with some members of the Association Photos Okai Elizabeth.](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Mrs-Georgina-Quaittoo-third-from-right-pose-with-some-members-of-the-Association-Photos-Okai-Elizabeth-80x80.jpg)
![Mrs Georgina Quaittoo [third from right] pose with some members of the Association Photos Okai Elizabeth.](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Mrs-Georgina-Quaittoo-third-from-right-pose-with-some-members-of-the-Association-Photos-Okai-Elizabeth.jpg)
THE Times Ladies Association, a group consisting of female staff of the New Times Corporation (NTC), on Monday commemorated this year’s International Women’s Day with a call on women to empower themselves through education, unity and healthy living to contribute meaningfully to national development.
The event, held at the NTC’s boardroom, was attended by management members and staff of the corporation and was to celebrate the achievements of women and reflect on their role in society.
In her address, the President of the association, Mrs Georgina N.M Quaittoo, said the global celebration, marked annually on March 8, recognised the economic, political and social achievements of women while raising awareness about gender equality.
Although the international celebration fell on Sunday, she explained that the association decided to mark the occasion on March 9 to enable members to participate fully and commemorate the day in their own way.
Speaking on this year’s theme: ‘Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls,’ and the global campaign theme: ‘Give to Gain,’ she the association had over the years worked tirelessly to support the growth and progress of the corporation despite the challenges they faced.
Urged members to commit themselves to deeper service to humanity and the advancement of women. She said women were unique, resilient and invaluable to society, stating that they deserved respect, appreciation, kindness and love for the vital roles they played in families, workplaces and communities.
According to her, members of the President, who is also the Editor of The Spectator newspaper, encouraged members to empower themselves academically and take advantage of opportunities to improve their lives and careers.
She also urged them to maintain healthy lifestyles by going for regular medical check-ups, exercise regularly, get enough rest and support one another.
Moreover, she advised members to accept leadership positions when given the opportunity and to exhibit qualities such as hard work, confidence, patience, compassion and responsibility in both their homes and workplaces.
Contributing, the Chanel Marketing and Circulation Manager, Mr Alfred Koomson, said women played critical roles in society and deserved to be supported and appreciated.
He urged men to recognise that they were often vulnerable species without the care, support and contributions of women in their lives.
He, therefore, commended women for the invaluable roles they play as mothers, caregivers, professionals and leaders, stressing that society would be incomplete without them.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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GHANA celebrated her 69th Independence Anniversary last Friday with colourful parades across all 16 regions of the country.
This year’s theme: ‘Reflect, Review, Reset,’ emphasised the importance of reflecting on the nation’s journey, assessing its current state, and planning for a brighter future.
At the Jubilee House, dignitaries present were President John Mahama, Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, former Presidents, Akufo-Addo and John Agyekum Kufuor, behalf of the President, former President of Tanzania, and other distinguished guests.
The President, John Dramani Mahama, addressed the nation at the seat of government whiles Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives addressed their various assemblies on.
As part of the celebrations, school children paraded and displayed their marching skills whiles others performed cultural and other social activities to mark the day across the regions.
