Parliament Passes Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025; All Eyes on President Mahama.
📍 Accra • by Kofi Asare • May 30, 2026
Ghana's Parliament has passed the controversial Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, reigniting one of the country's most heated national debates. The bill was approved by a voice vote after the Parliamentary Committee on Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs unanimously recommended its adoption.
The legislation seeks to criminalize same-sex sexual relations, the promotion, sponsorship, funding, and advocacy of LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana. It also introduces a "duty to report" requirement, which obliges individuals to report prohibited LGBTQ+ activities to the authorities, with penalties for non-compliance. The bill further proposes prison terms for individuals found guilty of promoting or supporting LGBTQ+ causes.
The bill was reintroduced earlier this year after a similar version passed by Parliament in 2024 failed to receive presidential assent before the end of the previous administration. Parliamentary records indicate that the current bill was laid before the House by Rev. John Ntim Fordjour and subsequently referred to the Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee for scrutiny.
Supporters of the bill, including several religious organizations, traditional leaders, and conservative groups, argue that it is necessary to protect Ghanaian cultural, moral, and family values. They maintain that the legislation reflects the beliefs and traditions of the majority of Ghanaians.
However, critics and international human rights organizations have expressed concerns that the bill could infringe on constitutional freedoms, encourage discrimination, and affect Ghana's international reputation. Some analysts have also warned of possible economic and diplomatic implications if the bill becomes law.
Attention has now shifted to President John Dramani Mahama, who must decide whether to assent to the bill or return it to Parliament for further consideration. His decision is expected to be closely watched both within Ghana and internationally.
What do you think? Should President Mahama sign the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill into law, or should further consultations be held before a final decision is made? Share your views in the comments.
The legislation seeks to criminalize same-sex sexual relations, the promotion, sponsorship, funding, and advocacy of LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana. It also introduces a "duty to report" requirement, which obliges individuals to report prohibited LGBTQ+ activities to the authorities, with penalties for non-compliance. The bill further proposes prison terms for individuals found guilty of promoting or supporting LGBTQ+ causes.
The bill was reintroduced earlier this year after a similar version passed by Parliament in 2024 failed to receive presidential assent before the end of the previous administration. Parliamentary records indicate that the current bill was laid before the House by Rev. John Ntim Fordjour and subsequently referred to the Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee for scrutiny.
Supporters of the bill, including several religious organizations, traditional leaders, and conservative groups, argue that it is necessary to protect Ghanaian cultural, moral, and family values. They maintain that the legislation reflects the beliefs and traditions of the majority of Ghanaians.
However, critics and international human rights organizations have expressed concerns that the bill could infringe on constitutional freedoms, encourage discrimination, and affect Ghana's international reputation. Some analysts have also warned of possible economic and diplomatic implications if the bill becomes law.
Attention has now shifted to President John Dramani Mahama, who must decide whether to assent to the bill or return it to Parliament for further consideration. His decision is expected to be closely watched both within Ghana and internationally.
What do you think? Should President Mahama sign the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill into law, or should further consultations be held before a final decision is made? Share your views in the comments.
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