Ten Members of Parliament will today reintroduce the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, also known as the anti-LGBT+ bill, for its first reading in Parliament.
The private member’s bill is being sponsored by 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 stringent restrictions on LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana, including jail terms for same-sex relationships, public displays of affection, and the promotion of LGBTQ+ content. It also proposes to ban transgender healthcare, dissolve LGBTQ+ organisations, and criminalise any form of support or sponsorship for such groups.
A similar bill was passed by Parliament in February 2024 but lapsed after the dissolution of the previous Parliament before it could be assented to by then-President Nana Akufo-Addo. The sponsors have since reintroduced it, requiring it to begin the legislative process afresh.
President John Dramani Mahama has expressed support for the principle behind the bill but maintains that such legislation should be introduced by the government rather than through a private member’s initiative.
If passed, the bill would substantially expand existing laws against LGBTQ+ activities and impose severe penalties on individuals or organisations found to be in violation.
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