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The Speaker of Parliament, Mr Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has announced that the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly known as the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill, will be introduced for its first reading during the Second Meeting of the Ninth Parliament.
The Bill aims to criminalise LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana, as well as the promotion, advocacy, or funding of such activities.
Mr Bagbin said this when he welcomed Members of Parliament back to parliamentary business following an Easter break recess period on Saturday, March 29, 2025.
According to Speaker Bagbin “Three private members bills; The Property Rights of Spouses Bill 2025, Constitution of the Republic of Ghana Amendment Bill 2025, and the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill 2025 have completed the processes as required by the standing orders of Parliament and are expected to be presented for a first reading during the course of this meeting.”
The Bill’s reintroduction is expected to spark renewed discussions on human rights, constitutional freedoms, and Ghana’s cultural values.
If passed, the Bill would increase the maximum prison sentence for same-sex sexual acts from three to five years and impose jail time for promoting or supporting LGBTQ+ activities.
Meanwhile, the Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) has expressed strong opposition to the Bill, citing constitutional concerns.
Dr Michael Akagbor, a Senior Programmes Officer at CDD-Ghana, emphasized that “to act in a way that is morally considered a sin is not, and should not be, a crime.”
He urged Parliament not to proceed with the Bill’s re-enactment, stating that it violated the spirit of Ghana’s constitution.
President John Dramani Mahama has also weighed in on the Bill, expressing support for the principle behind the legislation but preferring it to be introduced as a government-sponsored Bill rather than a private member’s initiative.
Others also argue that the Bill’s passage could have significant economic implications for Ghana.
The Ministry of Finance has warned that enacting the bill could jeopardise $3.8 billion in World Bank funding and potentially derail a $3 billion International Monetary Fund bailout programme, both crucial for the country’s economic recovery.
