African Leaders at the Fourth African Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Family, Sovereignty and Values have urged President John Dramani Mahama to give assent to the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill once it is presented for presidential approval.

The conference, currently underway in Accra, has brought together parliamentarians, religious leaders, policymakers, and advocacy groups from across the continent to deliberate on issues relating to family values, national sovereignty, and Africa’s cultural identity.

Calls for the enactment of Ghana’s Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill dominated discussions during the second day of the event, with several speakers arguing that African nations should retain the authority to shape their social policies without external interference.

Among those advocating for the bill was Kenyan obstetrician and gynaecologist, Dr. Wahome Ngare, who commended Ghana’s Parliament for approving the legislation and encouraged stakeholders to ensure it successfully completes the legal process.

Dr. Ngare argued that the bill has often been misunderstood by its critics, insisting that its provisions should be assessed based on its stated objectives rather than public perceptions. He also expressed readiness to support efforts aimed at addressing any legal concerns that could hinder the implementation of the legislation, stressing the importance of ensuring that the bill withstands constitutional scrutiny.

Beyond the debate on the bill, discussions at the conference focused on what participants described as the need for African countries to preserve their cultural values, strengthen legislative independence, and resist undue external influence in policymaking.

Speakers maintained that decisions on social and family-related issues should be guided by the traditions, beliefs, and constitutional frameworks of individual African states. The conference also examined matters relating to health sovereignty, with participants advocating greater self-reliance in the development and implementation of healthcare policies across the continent.

Chairman of the Board of Directors of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital and Member of Parliament for Lambussie, Titus Beyuo, called on African governments to take greater ownership of their healthcare systems and reduce dependence on foreign institutions in determining health priorities.

According to him, stronger collaboration among African nations is essential to building resilient health systems capable of meeting the needs of citizens while reflecting local values and priorities.

Mr. Beyuo highlighted Ghana’s efforts to advance healthcare independence through the African Health Sovereignty Summit convened by President Mahama, which produced the “Accra Reset” framework aimed at promoting self-determined healthcare policies across the continent.

He urged African leaders to invest in sustainable health systems and ensure that decisions affecting public health are driven by national interests rather than external agendas.

The conference continues with discussions centred on strengthening Africa’s policy independence, protecting cultural values, and advancing solutions to the continent’s social and development challenges.