Lawmakers in Ghana have reintroduced a controversial bill that threatens the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals. On February 17, the Ghanaian parliament formally received the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly referred to as the anti-LGBT bill, continuing a legislative process that began in 2021.
A previous version of the bill was passed in February 2024 but expired without then-President Nana Akufo-Addo’s approval, as he opposed measures that would roll back human rights protections. However, his successor, President John Dramani Mahama, who returned to office in January 2025, has expressed support for the reintroduced legislation.
The bill significantly expands criminal penalties for same-sex conduct, imposing up to three years in prison for anyone identifying as LGBT. It also targets individuals and organizations advocating for LGBT rights—including parents, teachers, journalists, doctors, and human rights defenders—and would force LGBT organizations to dissolve while putting donors and partners at legal risk.
LGBT Ghanaians already face widespread discrimination and abuse in public and private spheres. Since 2021, they have endured arbitrary arrests, closures of community services, and hostile media coverage, reflecting an environment of increasing repression.
In May 2026, Ghana will host the fourth African Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Family and Sovereignty in Accra, a forum with connections to US-based far-right advocacy groups. Past editions of the conference have included speakers promoting Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act as a legislative model for other African countries.
Despite the bill’s momentum, there is notable opposition. Figures like Cardinal Peter Turkson and politician Samia Nkrumah have called for inclusive dialogue, and Ghana’s Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice has warned that the bill would violate fundamental rights. Observers stress that Ghanaian leaders should uphold international legal protections guaranteeing equality, nondiscrimination, freedom of expression, and privacy for all citizens.
