Rev Owusu-Bempah defends former President Mahama on LGBTQ+ bill criticism

Rev Isaac Owusu-Bempah, Founder and Leader of Glorious Word Power Ministry International, has criticized individuals attacking former President John Dramani Mahama over LGBTQ+ related issues. Speaking on Okay FM’s Ade Akye Abia on April 10, 2026, Rev Owusu-Bempah stated that the passage of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, is Parliament's responsibility, not the President's. He questioned why former President Mahama is being blamed, noting that Mahama has previously expressed his stance against such activities. Rev Owusu-Bempah argued that criticism stems from dislike for Mahama, as the former President has indicated that LGBTQ+ issues are not his immediate priority while Parliament works on the bill. He referenced comments by the Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, regarding the bill's referral to a parliamentary committee. Rev Owusu-Bempah believes that once Parliament completes its work, former President Mahama will assent to the bill, consistent with his Christian faith and campaign promises. He dismissed claims of hypocrisy, asserting that criticism should be directed at Parliament since the bill has not yet reached the President. Former President Mahama, addressing Civil Society Organisations at the Jubilee House on March 30, 2026, emphasized the need for restraint and respectful dialogue on the sensitive subject. He reiterated that Ghana's top priorities remain education, healthcare, jobs, and other basic needs, not the LGB