Ntim Fordjour rejects “gay lover” claims as anti-LGBTQ+ bill scrutiny deepens

The Member of Parliament for Assin South, John Ntim Fordjour, has denied allegations that he had a sexual relationship with transgender musician Angel Maxine, as debate intensifies over Ghana’s proposed Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025.

The denial follows comments by Samuel Nartey George during a stakeholder engagement on the bill, where lawmakers conducted a clause-by-clause review of the controversial legislation.

During the session, Sam George, who also serves as Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, argued that individuals who publicly identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community could face prosecution if the bill is passed.

Referencing claims circulating publicly, he questioned why individuals making such allegations should not be subject to legal action under the proposed law.

“He now claims that he’s having sexual intercourse with Hon. Ntim Fordjour and that Hon. Ntim Fordjour is his gay lover. That person is making such claims. Why are we saying that this individual is not prosecutable?” he said.

In response, Ntim Fordjour firmly rejected the allegation, stating he had never engaged in any form of sexual relationship with Angel Maxine.

“Maxine, in her old or present life, contrary to her claim that she has had intercourse with me, I have never engaged in any such act,” he said.

He added that his personal beliefs align with what he described as relationships ordained “between Adam and Eve.”

The exchange underscores the heightened tensions surrounding the proposed legislation, which has drawn both domestic and international scrutiny over concerns about human rights, freedom of expression, and potential criminalisation of identity.

The bill, widely debated in Ghana, seeks to impose stricter penalties on same-sex relationships and advocacy, raising questions about its implications for civil liberties if enacted.