Revealed – Anti-LGBTQ Bill to be introduced to Parliament for its first reading

Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, the Speaker of Parliament, announced that the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill is ready for its first reading. This bill is commonly known as the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill.

Speaker Bagbin shared this information during his opening remarks. He marked the official start of Parliament’s second meeting. The anti-LGBTQ+ Bill will be introduced in this session.

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

Samuel Nartey George, Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, resubmitted the Private Member’s Bill on anti-LGBTQI about four weeks ago. He is waiting for an invitation from the Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee.

George confirmed that his stance on the anti-LGBTQI bill remains unchanged.

Former President John Dramani Mahama stated that the Anti-LGBTQI bill will be reintroduced as a state-sponsored bill. He consulted with Speaker Bagbin to make this change.

Mahama emphasized his belief in traditional values regarding gender and marriage. He stated that he believes only two genders exist: man and woman.

During a fellowship with clergy at Accra International Conference Centre on February 28, 2025, Mahama reiterated these views. He expressed hope for a renewed Proper Family Values Bill introduced by the government.

Mahama also warned multilateral institutions like the World Bank and IMF to stay out of cultural matters in Ghana's anti-LGBTQ debate. He stressed that different cultures should be respected globally.

In an interview with Bloomberg’s Next Africa, Mahama discussed the expired old bill. He noted it was not signed by the President due to a legal challenge which has since been dismissed.

He believes more stakeholder consultation is needed before introducing any new bill. Mahama stated that proper family values are important beyond just legislation; they should also be taught to children as they grow up.

He concluded by reiterating that multilateral institutions should not impose cultural norms through their mandates.