The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Sam Nartey George, has reaffirmed that the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill remains a national priority despite ongoing public debate over its urgency.
The Ningo-Prampram Member of Parliament argued that critics who suggest the country should focus solely on other pressing challenges fail to fully appreciate the seriousness of certain incidents occurring within society.
His comments come after John Dramani Mahama indicated during a March 30 meeting with civil society organisations at the Jubilee House that while the bill is important, it is not among the most pressing issues facing the nation.
“I explained during my recent engagement with the World Affairs Council that it is not the most important issue we face as a nation. We are still grappling with basic needs such as education, healthcare, jobs, food, clothing, and shelter,” the President stated.
The remarks have sparked widespread reaction from religious groups and sections of the public, with some critics accusing the government of inconsistency over its stance on the bill.
Responding to the backlash, Sam George defended the continued push for the legislation, stressing that concerns about family values and child protection remain central to its purpose.
He cited a recent incident in which a young man was allegedly abducted, noting that the case was resolved with the intervention of the Ghana Police Service, led by CID Director-General Lydia Donkor.
According to him, such cases underscore why the bill should not be deprioritised, adding that Ghana has the capacity to address multiple national issues simultaneously.
“To those who say we have other priorities, this is a priority for us. Any country worth its salt can deal with multiple priorities at the same time,” he stated.
The MP further emphasised that his stance reflects the mandate given to him by constituents in Ningo-Prampram, noting that his increased vote margin in the last election demonstrates strong public support for his position.
He maintained that alongside infrastructure, healthcare, education, and water challenges, the issue of family values remains an important national concern that must be addressed.
