By Love Wilhelmina Abanonave
Member of Parliament for Damongo and Ranking Member on the Foreign Affairs Committee of Parliament, Samuel Abu Jinapor has revealed that the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly referred to as the LGBTQ+ bill, was not before then-President Akufo-Addo when the New Patriotic Party administration left office.
“As at the time we were leaving office, the LGBTQ bill was not with Akufo-Addo,” Jinapor stated, addressing the status of the legislation during the previous government’s tenure. His comments debunk the argument that the former President had the bill in office and refused to sign it.
Speaking on the GTV breakfast show today, Monday, April 20, 2026, the MP argued that the current administration has the legislative means to pass the bill quickly if it chooses to do so. “This government has passed all kinds of bills under a certificate of urgency, they can pass the LGBTQ+ bill,” he said.
Mr. Jinapor also spoke to public sentiment around the issue, asserting that the bill aligns with prevailing social norms. “It is abundantly clear that Ghanaian cultural values abhor LGBTQ+,” he added.
The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill seeks to criminalize LGBTQ+ advocacy and related activities. The bill was passed by the 8th Parliament in February 2024 but did not receive presidential assent before the end of President Akufo-Addo’s term on January 7, 2025. The bill therefore lapsed with the dissolution of Parliament, requiring reintroduction in the current Parliament if it is to be considered.
Jinapor’s remarks come amid renewed calls from some lawmakers and religious groups for Parliament to act on the legislation.
