In a move that is set to reignite the debate on LGBTQ+ rights in Ghana, President John Dramani Mahama has revealed that his administration is working to reintroduce the Anti-LGBTQ+ bill in Parliament.
The bill, which was initially introduced as a private members’ bill, expired before it could be signed into law by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
According to President Mahama, the government is engaging with the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin, to reintroduce the bill as a government-sponsored legislation.
This move is seen as a significant shift in the government’s approach to the bill, which was previously introduced by individual lawmakers.
President Mahama made the revelation while fellowshipping with the clergy at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) on Friday, February 28, 2025.
He said “As a Christian, I uphold the values that only two genders exist: male and female, and that marriage is between a man and a woman. I have spoken with the Speaker so that the renewal of the expired Proper Family Values Bill will be introduced as a government-sponsored bill rather than as a private members’ motion”.
Mahama continued “I hope that this consultation will result in the reintroduction of the Proper Family Values Bill. I believe that my leadership should reflect the values of the people I govern, and on this, I stand firm”.
He reaffirmed his Christian values, stating that he believes in the traditional definition of marriage as being between a man and a woman.
The Anti-LGBTQ+ bill has been a contentious issue in Ghana, with proponents arguing that it is necessary to protect traditional values and opponents, arguing that it is discriminatory and violates human rights.
The bill’s reintroduction is likely to spark renewed debate and controversy in the coming weeks.
It is worth noting that the bill’s previous incarnation was met with widespread criticism from human rights groups and foreign governments, who argued that it was discriminatory and violated Ghana’s international human rights obligations.
-BY Daniel Bampoe
