Accra: Parliament is set to resume consideration of Ghana's long-running and highly controversial anti-LGBTQ bill, reopening a debate that has deeply divided the nation for nearly five years. The bill, officially known as the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, was presented for second reading in the House on Thursday, May 28, 2026.
According to Ghana Web, the legislation was originally introduced in June 2021 by a bipartisan group of MPs led by Ningo-Prampram MP Sam George. The bill seeks to criminalise same-sex sexual relations, LGBTQ advocacy, funding, and related activities. It has had a long journey through Parliament, having its first reading in August 2021 and being referred to the Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee. This committee conducted extensive public hearings that involved religious leaders, traditional authorities, legal experts, civil society groups, and human rights advocates.
The hearings sparked a national debate, with supporters claiming the bill is necessary to protect Ghanaian cultural and family values. In contrast, opponents argue it is discriminatory and violates constitutional rights. Parliament passed the bill at the second reading stage in July 2023 and later approved it after the third reading on February 28, 2024. However, it did not receive presidential assent before the dissolution of the Eighth Parliament due to pending legal challenges at the Supreme Court.
The bill lapsed with the end of the previous Parliament but has now been reintroduced in the Ninth Parliament as a private member's bill. After satisfying constitutional requirements, it has returned for fresh consideration. Its reappearance is expected to once again stir strong emotions across the country. Many religious bodies and conservative groups are pushing strongly for its passage, while human rights advocates and some civil society organisations continue to express concerns over its potential impact on individual rights and Ghana's international image.