Reintroduction of the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill in Ghana

A Tougher Crackdown on Same-Sex Relationships

On Tuesday, Ghanaian lawmakers reintroduced the Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, a highly restrictive piece of legislation targeting LGBTQ+ individuals. Currently, Ghanaian law punishes same-sex relationships with up to three years in prison. However, this new version of the bill seeks to increase the maximum sentence to five years of imprisonment.

Additionally, the bill proposes prison sentences ranging from five to ten years for anyone involved in funding, supporting, or promoting LGBTQ+ rights and organizations. This measure aims not only to curb visibility but also to limit the activities of queer rights advocates in the country.

Reintroduction Following the Expiration of the Initial Bill

Initially introduced in 2021 as the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, the legislation was passed by Parliament on February 28, 2024. However, former President Nana Akufo-Addo refused to sign it into law before the end of his term, citing ongoing legal challenges.

Ultimately, these legal objections were dismissed in December 2024 due to the lack of a presidential signature required for their review. When Akufo-Addo’s term ended in January 2025, the bill expired without being enacted, leading to its reintroduction this year.

Support from President John Mahama

Ghanaian President John Mahama publicly endorsed the legislative initiative during a religious event, Fellowship with the Clergy, on February 28, 2025. He stated, “As a Christian, I uphold the principle and values that only two sexes exist—man and woman—and that marriage is between a man and a woman.”

Mahama also discussed the bill with the Speaker of Parliament, advocating for it to be introduced as a government-backed initiative rather than just a parliamentary proposal. He expressed his desire for this effort to result in renewed legislation on family values.

Read also : ‘We Can’t Give Up on Humanity’ : Ghanaians Oppose Antigay Law

A Bill Backed by Several Lawmakers

On February 27, 2025, opposition lawmaker Reverend John Ntim Fordjour confirmed to Citi News that the bill had been reintroduced. He urged President Mahama to grant his final approval for its adoption.

Ten lawmakers sponsored this reintroduction, including Samuel Nartey George and Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah, both members of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Strong Criticism from Human Rights Organizations

In response to this repressive legislation, several LGBTQ+ rights organizations have voiced their concerns. LGBT+ Rights Ghana denounced the bill as being driven by “homophobic politicians and religious groups” aiming to intensify the marginalization of queer individuals.

Following the initial bill’s passage in 2024, Larissa Kojoué, a researcher at Human Rights Watch, warned of its consequences: “The anti-LGBT rights bill is incompatible with Ghana’s long tradition of peace, tolerance, and hospitality and contradicts the country’s international human rights obligations.”

She also highlighted the increased risks of violence and fundamental rights violations that such legislation could trigger. Despite these warnings, Ghanaian lawmakers continue their efforts to further restrict LGBTQ+ rights in the country.