Former New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate for Ablekuma South Constituency, Hon. Lambert Appiah Rockson, has sharply criticized President John Dramani Mahama’s recent comments on the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill, accusing him of hypocrisy and political opportunism.
During a meeting with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) at the Jubilee House yesterday, President Mahama reportedly downplayed the urgency of the controversial bill, suggesting it was not a top priority for his administration.
This stance has ignited fierce debate, especially given the bill’s passage in Parliament in 2024 and the subsequent refusal by former President Nana Akufo-Addo to sign it into law.
Hon. Rockson, speaking in a media interview, argued that while Mahama’s current position might align with practical governance needs, it rings hollow coming from a leader who “politicized the issue relentlessly” while in opposition.
“What the President said could have been the right approach, but he has no moral right to say it now after weaponizing it against the NPP government,” Rockson stated.
He highlighted the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s past rhetoric, pointing to prominent figures like Sam George and Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who publicly pressured Akufo-Addo to assent to the bill. “Since when did President Mahama realize the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill isn’t Ghana’s priority? Was it now as President, or back when he was NDC Flagbearer in opposition?” he questioned.
He recalled Mahama’s personal appeals, noting the President’s self-identification as an Assemblies of God member whose doctrine opposes LGBTQ+ activities.
He then urged a focus on pressing economic and social issues over cultural debates. Yes, it’s not our priority now. We live in a country where Ghanaians can’t afford prepaid electricity due to high tariffs, youth unemployment is rampant despite promises of a 24-hour economy, government scandals are piling up, fuel prices are soaring, and power outages (dumsor) are returning,” he lamented.
He drew parallels to other policy U-turns, accusing Mahama of being “like a chameleon.” He promised to arrest anyone stealing or engaging in galamsey, to declare assets without delay yet galamsey is rampant in his government. Our top priorities should be fixing unemployment, slashing high tariffs, addressing scandals, paying teachers who have worked 14 months without salaries, and stabilizing the economy.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson#ahotorfmonline.com