By Ahoto John Justice

The Head Pastor of the Upper Room Assembly Church in Tema, Reverend David Estse Lartey, has called on President John Dramani Mahama to assent to the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill when the legislative process is completed.

Rev. Lartey said the government should fulfil its stated position on the controversial legislation and take the necessary steps to bring the process to a conclusion.

He made the call in an interview with the media on the sidelines of the church’s annual Amazing Grace Thanksgiving Festival in Tema.

According to him, the legislation would help protect what he described as Ghanaian family values and cultural norms.

His comments come amid renewed public discussion over the bill and its legislative future.

The thanksgiving festival, which climaxed a 14-day period of fasting and prayer, was held under the theme, “And I Will Restore to You the Years that the Locust Has Eaten,” from Joel 2:25.

The programme featured a procession, worship, prayers and thanksgiving, with members presenting fruits and other items as part of the church’s thanksgiving tradition.

The church choir also performed gospel songs, while clergy and members of the congregation participated in the breaking of the thanksgiving feast.

Guest preacher, Apostle Dr. John Afful, urged Ghanaians, particularly Christian youth, not to allow past experiences to prevent them from pursuing their aspirations.

He encouraged the youth to concentrate on the present and future while trusting God for restoration and new opportunities.

A Deaconess and entrepreneur, Madam Cecilia Aquerteh, also expressed gratitude to God for sustaining the annual programme.

She called on women leaders to serve as role models and demonstrate values that could positively influence society.

Bill’s legislative journey

The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill has undergone a prolonged legislative process dating back to 2021.

The original private member’s bill was introduced in the Eighth Parliament and was subsequently passed on February 28, 2024. However, it was not assented to before the dissolution of the Eighth Parliament, resulting in the bill lapsing.

Parliament later reintroduced the legislation in the Ninth Parliament under the title Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025. Parliamentary records show that the bill was laid on February 24, 2026, with Reverend John Ntim Fordjour listed as the lead member who laid it.

The bill’s parliamentary record reflects the continuing debate over legislation dealing with sexual rights, advocacy and what its sponsors describe as the protection of Ghanaian family values.

The issue has also generated constitutional litigation. The Supreme Court previously dealt with challenges concerning the earlier version of the legislation, with the court holding that the constitutional challenges before it were premature because the legislative process had not been completed.

The bill therefore remains subject to the parliamentary process before any presidential assent can take place.

President Mahama has previously indicated that he would act on the legislation if it is duly passed by Parliament and presented to him for assent.

The renewed call by Rev. Lartey adds to pressure from sections of Ghana’s religious community for Parliament and the Executive to bring the legislative process to a conclusion.