BY VALENTIA TETTEH
Ten Members of Parliament are set to present the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, popularly known as the anti-LGBT+ bill, for its first reading in Parliament, as the third Meeting of the First Session of the Ninth Parliament of the Fourth Republic begins.
The private member’s bill is being sponsored by John Ntim Fordjour (Assin South), Samuel Nartey George (Ningo-Prampram), Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzra (Ho West), Helen Adjoa Ntoso (Krachi West), Nurideen Muhammed Mummuni (Nalerigu Gambaga), Vincent Ekow Assafuah (Old Tafo), Alhassan Tampuli Sulemana (Gushegu), Rita Naa Odoley Sowah (Dadekotopon), Dr. Tiah Abdul Kabiru Mahama (Walewale), and Anthony Mmieh (Odotobri).
The proposed legislation seeks to introduce stricter restrictions on LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana. It includes provisions for prison sentences for same-sex relationships, public displays of affection, and the promotion of LGBTQ+ content. The bill also seeks to prohibit transgender healthcare, disband LGBTQ+ organisations, and criminalise any form of support or sponsorship for such groups.
A similar version of the bill was passed by Parliament in February 2024 but lapsed following the dissolution of the previous Parliament before it could receive presidential assent from then-President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
The sponsors have reintroduced the bill, requiring it to go through the full legislative process once again.
If passed, the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, would significantly broaden existing laws against LGBTQ+ activities and impose severe penalties on individuals or organisations found to be in violation.
