Ghana's Parliament Approves Controversial LGBTQ+ Bill

Human Rights Research Center
2 minutes ago
4 min read

June 5, 2026

HRRC strongly condemns the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill and is deeply concerned by provisions that would criminalize LGBTQ+ identity, advocacy, and support. We urge Ghanaian authorities to reject legislation that infringes upon fundamental human rights, and to uphold the dignity, safety, and equal rights of LGBTQ+ people.

People gather outside the Ghana High Commission to protest anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in March 2024 [Image credit: Adrian Dennis/AFP/Getty Images]

Ghana’s parliament approved a new version of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill on May 28, reviving a controversial anti-LGBTQ+ proposal that previously failed to become law in February 2024. The legislation would expand criminal penalties related to same-sex relationships, those identifying as LGBTQ+, and the promotion, advocacy, support, or funding of LGBTQ+ activities. Individuals found guilty under various provisions could face prison sentences ranging from three to ten years. The bill introduces a “duty-to-report” provision requiring individuals to report prohibited acts to authorities.

Supporters argue that the bill is necessary to protect what they describe as Ghanaian family culture and values. Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, one of the bill’s sponsors, stated that the proposal would strengthen existing laws and provide a more comprehensive framework for addressing LGBTQ+ activities within the country.

While same-sex relationships in Ghana are already prohibited under British colonial-era laws, enforcement has historically been limited. The new legislation expands beyond criminalizing same-sex conduct by introducing penalties related to LGBTQ+ identity, advocacy, and support. It also includes exemptions for legal professionals, journalists, and healthcare workers, though opponents argue that these do not adequately address concerns about the bill’s impact on vulnerable populations and civil society.

The legislation follows a similar bill that passed Ghana’s parliament in 2024 but never became law after former President Nana Akufo-Addo declined to sign it amid legal challenges. A cross-party group of lawmakers later reintroduced the bill in 2025. Some supporters of the bill argue that the current version is weaker than its predecessor.

Despite parliamentary approval, the new bill has not yet become law. On June 2, President John Dramani Mahama stated it would undergo further legal review because it originated as a private members’ bill rather than government-sponsored legislation. Mahama has previously expressed support for the bill’s principles, stating that he believes only two genders exist and that marriage should only be recognized between a man and a woman. However, his administration has said constitutional and procedural review will still occur before any final decision is made.

The proposal has been met by strong criticism from human rights and civil society organizations. Human Rights Watch warned that the legislation could place LGBTQ+ individuals at increased risk and encourage surveillance and denunciation among community members through its duty-to-report provisions. The organization formally urged Ghana’s Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee to abandon the bill.

Activists have reported growing fear among LGBTQ+ Ghanaians following parliament’s vote, noting increased concerns over job loss, housing instability, and access to healthcare if the legislation becomes law. Some have reportedly begun deleting social media content and reviewing their public activities out of concern that they could face legal consequences. An alliance of more than 100 African civil society organizations known as Ukumbini appealed to President Mahama to return the legislation to parliament and allow a more transparent consultation process. The coalition argued that if the bill genuinely reflects the views and values of Ghanaian citizens, it should be able to withstand broader public scrutiny and debate.

Public health advocates also raised concerns about the legislation’s potential consequences, warning that criminalization could discourage individuals from seeking HIV testing, treatment, and related healthcare services. These concerns have drawn particular attention because Mahama has promoted the Accra Reset initiative, which encourages African governments to strengthen domestic investment in healthcare and expand Africa’s participation in global health discussions. Critics argue that increased criminalization could contradict those goals by discouraging individuals from seeking healthcare services, potentially undermining decades of progress in HIV prevention and treatment.

As the bill undergoes further review, rights groups continue to call on Ghanaian authorities to consider its potential impact on civil liberties, healthcare access, and the safety of LGBTQ+ individuals.

Glossary

Advocacy: the act of supporting or arguing for a particular cause, policy, or idea

Authorities: government officials or institutions responsible for enforcing law and maintaining order

Civil liberties: basic rights and freedoms designed to protect citizens by law from government interference

Civil society organization: non-governmental groups formed by citizens to advance community interests, public welfare, or social causes

Coalition: an alliance or union of individuals, organizations, or governments agreeing to temporarily work together to achieve a common goal

Constitutional review: examining laws, government actions, or policies determine whether they violate or comply with a country’s constitution

Criminalization: the act of making a behavior, activity, or identity illegal

Denunciation: the act of publicly accusing or reporting an individual or group

Domestic investment: money spent within a country to support services, infrastructure, programs, or economic development

Duty-to-report: a legal requirement to report certain actions to authorities

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus): a virus that attacks the body’s immune system and can lead to AIDS if untreated

Human Rights Watch: an international human rights organization that investigates and reports on human rights cases and abuses around the world

Infringe: to act in a way that breaks a rule, law, or limits someone’s rights or freedoms

Legislation: a law or set of laws that are created by a government

LGBTQ+: an umbrella term referring to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other sexual and gender identities

Parliament: the supreme legislative body responsible for making laws and representing the public in government

Predecessor: something that came before the current version

Private member’s bill: a proposed law introduced by an individual lawmaker rather than the government

Procedural review: an evaluation of whether legal and administrative processes have been followed properly before a decision is made

Provision: a specific clause, requirement, or section within a law, policy, or legal documentSurveillance: the close monitoring, observation, or collection of information about an individual or group

Undermining: weakening or damaging something gradually

References

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Ghana's Parliament Approves Controversial LGBTQ+ Bill

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