By Eric Appah Marfo
Accra, April 24, GNA – The Methodist Church has called for the expedited passage of the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill, citing the need to uphold Ghana’s moral and cultural values.
The call comes amid renewed public debate over the legislation, formally known as the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, which was passed by Parliament in 2024 but is yet to receive presidential assent.
The Rt. Rev. Andrew Mbeah-Baiden, Bishop of the Northern Accra Diocese of the Methodist Church of Ghana, made the call at the opening of the 8th Annual Synod of the Diocese in Accra on Thursday.
“The issue of the passing of the LGBTQ+ Bill has come up again lately. Several religious bodies and personalities have spoken about it, encouraging the Parliament to pass the Bill and the President to accent when he it gets to his table.”
“…I also add my voice to it, urging the Parliament and His Excellency the President to expedite action on it,” he said.
The Bill seeks to criminalise LGBTQ+ activities and their promotion, while outlining provisions related to family values and societal norms.
President John Dramani Mahama has indicated in recent engagements that the matter must follow due constitutional processes, including possible legal review, before a final decision was taken.
Public discourse on the Bill has intensified in recent months, with some stakeholders calling for its passage, while others raise concerns about its implications for human rights and governance.
On education, Rt. Rev. Mbeah-Baiden cautioned against proposals by the Constitution Review Committee to alter the operational structure of mission schools.
He said any move to liberalise their administration could undermine discipline, weaken interfaith harmony, and erode their evangelistic foundation.
He noted that mission schools had historically contributed to both moral formation and academic excellence and should not be treated solely as secular institutions.
The Bishop also expressed concern over what he described as the misuse of the Holy Bible by a group known as “Lotto Bible,” which allegedly used religious references to promote lottery forecasts.
He called on government to direct the National Lottery Authority to intervene and halt the practice.
Reflecting on the Synod theme, he said Scripture remained central to teaching, correction and training in righteousness, urging church leaders to study and rightly interpret the Word of God.
He also encouraged members to live by biblical principles.
Rt. Rev. Mbeah-Baiden highlighted initiatives undertaken since October 2024 under the Diocese’s vision to “Develop, Expand and Divide.”
These include the introduction of an Annual Prophetic Prayer Conference, with three editions held, and monthly online prayer meetings conducted on the first Sunday of each month.
He said the Diocese had established a Diocesan Mission Development Fund to mobilise at least one million Ghana cedis annually to support infrastructure in deprived mission areas.
The Fund has so far raised more than GH¢767,000 and supported projects such as the renovation of the Manhean Chapel, assistance to new circuits, land acquisition and the construction of church buildings.
Other projects include the renovation of a chaplain’s residence at Achimota School, construction of a manse at Ayikai Doblo, and ongoing works at Ngleshie Amanfro and Kuntunse.
The Bishop, however, noted that some initiatives, including a proposed Children’s Camp project, had been delayed due to financial constraints.
He said the Diocese planned to complete the ground floor of its Office Complex by 2027 and undertake new projects such as the renovation of the Gbawe Old Chapel into a heritage centre and the construction of a community event centre.
Rt. Rev. Mbeah-Baiden urged members to uphold the Methodist principle of connexionalism by supporting one another to promote collective growth.
He expressed appreciation for progress made and called for sustained commitment to advancing the mission of the Church through unity, faith and adherence to the Word of God.
The Synod was on the theme: “Walking in the Word: Equipped for Every Good Work (2 Timothy 3:16–17).”
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe