Parliament set to reintroduce anti-LGBTQ+ Bill 

The Speaker of Parliament, Mr. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, announced the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill. This bill is often called the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill. It will be introduced for its first reading during the Second Meeting of the Ninth Parliament.

The bill aims to criminalize LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana. It also targets the promotion, advocacy, or funding of such activities.

Mr. Bagbin made this announcement on Saturday, March 29, 2025. He addressed Members of Parliament as they returned from an Easter break.

He mentioned that three private members' bills are ready for presentation. These include The Property Rights of Spouses Bill 2025 and the Constitution Amendment Bill 2025.

The reintroduction of this bill may spark discussions on human rights and cultural values in Ghana. If passed, it would increase prison sentences for same-sex acts from three to five years. It would also impose jail time for promoting or supporting LGBTQ+ activities.

The Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) opposes the bill due to constitutional concerns. Dr. Michael Akagbor from CDD-Ghana stated that moral actions should not be criminalized.

He urged Parliament not to proceed with the bill's re-enactment, claiming it violates Ghana’s constitution.

President John Dramani Mahama has expressed support for the bill's principles. However, he prefers it to be a government-sponsored initiative instead of a private member’s initiative.

Others warn that passing this bill could harm Ghana's economy. The Ministry of Finance has cautioned that enacting it could jeopardize $3.8 billion in World Bank funding.

It could also derail a $3 billion International Monetary Fund bailout program crucial for economic recovery.