Ten Members of Parliament are set to reintroduce the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025—commonly referred to as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill—for its first reading in Parliament today.
The controversial private member’s bill is being championed by MPs across both sides of the aisle, including John Ntim Fordjour (Assin South), Samuel Nartey George (Ningo-Prampram), Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzra (Ho West), Helen Adjoa Ntoso (Krachi West), Nurideen Muhammed Mummuni (Nalerigu Gambaga), Vincent Ekow Assafuah (Old Tafo), Alhassan Tampuli Sulemana (Gushegu), Rita Naa Odoley Sowah (Dadekotopon), Dr Tiah Abdul Kabiru Mahama (Walewale), and Anthony Mmieh (Odotobri).
The bill seeks to impose strict legal penalties on LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana. Provisions include prison sentences for same-sex relationships, public displays of same-sex affection, and the promotion or advocacy of LGBTQ+ content. It also proposes a ban on transgender healthcare, the dissolution of LGBTQ+ organisations, and the criminalisation of any form of support or sponsorship for such groups.
A previous version of the bill was passed by Parliament in February 2024, but lapsed after the dissolution of Parliament before receiving presidential assent from then-President Nana Akufo-Addo.
The sponsors have now reintroduced the bill, restarting the legislative process from scratch.
Current President John Dramani Mahama has expressed support for the principles behind the bill but maintains that such legislation should be introduced by the government, rather than as a private member’s initiative.
If passed, the bill would significantly expand Ghana’s existing laws on LGBTQ+ activities and introduce harsh penalties for individuals and organisations found in breach.
The reintroduction is expected to generate renewed national and international debate over human rights, freedom of expression, and Ghana’s international obligations.
