The highly controversial anti-LGBTQ+ bill has officially returned to Ghana’s Parliament, reigniting one of the country’s most divisive legislative debates in recent years. A coalition of 10 Members of Parliament, led by Sam George (NDC–Ningo Prampram) and Ntim Fordjour (NPP–Assin South), has reintroduced the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, 2021, as the House resumes sitting on Tuesday, October 21, 2025.
The move signals a renewed bipartisan effort to pass the bill, which has faced intense domestic controversy and global condemnation since it was first laid before Parliament in 2021.
The proposed legislation seeks to criminalise LGBTQ+ activities, as well as their promotion, advocacy, and funding. Under the current draft, individuals engaged in same-sex relationships could face up to three years in prison, while those who promote or finance LGBTQ+ activities could face up to 10 years behind bars.
Proponents argue that the bill defends Ghanaian culture, morality, and family values, while critics—both local and international—insist that it violates fundamental human rights and could endanger vulnerable communities.
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The reintroduction comes even as injunction suits before the Supreme Court continue to challenge the bill’s constitutionality. Although the Court has yet to deliver a final ruling, the sponsors say the renewed submission ensures the Bill remains active within the legislative process.
The involvement of lawmakers from both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) reflects the bill’s rare bipartisan appeal, despite Ghana’s often polarised political climate. Parliamentary observers expect the matter to dominate proceedings in the coming weeks, potentially leading to tense debates and extended sittings.
Previously, the Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs Committee conducted wide-ranging public hearings on the bill, receiving more than 150 memoranda from religious groups, traditional authorities, civil society organisations, and international human rights advocates.
The renewed push is expected to rekindle nationwide activism, with faith-based organisations—which represent a majority of Ghana’s population—strongly backing the legislation, while human rights groups prepare to ramp up opposition campaigns, calling the bill discriminatory and regressive.
The Speaker of Parliament is expected to refer the reintroduced bill to the appropriate committee, marking the beginning of its second legislative journey through the House.
Story By: Afia Ohenewaa Akyerem