Ghana Parliament Approves Anti-LGBTQ Bill

The parliament of Ghana has approved a controversial anti-LGBTQ bill that criminalizes the promotion, funding, and sponsorship of LGBTQ-related activities in the country. The legislation, known as the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill 2025, was passed by a voice vote on Friday. 

The parliament of Ghana has passed the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill 2025, a controversial piece of legislation targeting LGBTQ-related activities in the country. 

The bill was approved through a voice vote after the Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee unanimously recommended its adoption. 

First Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor confirmed the passage of the legislation during Friday’s parliamentary session. 

The bill was reportedly introduced shortly after President John Dramani Mahama assumed office. 

Lawmakers from the ruling National Democratic Congress had faced increasing pressure from religious organisations and supporters of the legislation to ensure its passage. 

The newly approved bill maintains the existing punishment of up to three years imprisonment for same-sex sexual acts. 

It also criminalizes the funding, sponsorship, and promotion of LGBTQ activities, with prison terms ranging from three to five years for offenders. 

In addition, the legislation introduces a “duty to report,” requiring citizens to report prohibited LGBTQ-related activities to law enforcement or relevant authorities. 

Individuals who fail to report such acts could face up to three years imprisonment under the new law. 

The bill further proposes amendments to Ghana’s Extradition Act of 1960, making offences under the legislation extraditable crimes. 

An earlier version of the anti-LGBTQ bill had previously been passed in 2024 during the administration of former President Nana Akufo-Addo. 

However, the previous bill faced legal challenges and was never signed into law before the end of Akufo-Addo’s administration. 

The latest development is expected to increase pressure on President John Mahama to decide whether to officially sign the bill into law. 

The legislation has continued to attract reactions both within Ghana and internationally, with supporters arguing that it protects traditional family values while critics raise concerns about human rights and civil liberties.