The Minority in Parliament has noted that former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo never received the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, also known as the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill, for approval.

Debating on the floor of Parliament, the Member of Parliament for Damongo, Samuel Jinapor, indicated that the bill never reached President Akufo-Addo for assent, although there were attempts to present it to him.

“It was an attempted presentation. There was no breach of Article 106(7). It is therefore our submission on this side of the House that no bill was presented to former President Akufo-Addo,” he explained.

The bill was first introduced in 2021 introduced in Parliament on 2 August 2021 as a Private Members’ Bill sponsored by a bipartisan group of eight MPs, seven from the opposition NDC and one from the ruling NPP at the time.

The lead sponsor was Samuel Nartey George, Member of Parliament for Ningo‑Prampram and Ghana’s Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations.

The MPs at the time included Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah, MP for Ho West (NDC). Rockson‑Nelson Dafeamekpor, MP for South Dayi (NDC), Helen Adjoa Ntoso, MP for Krachi East (NDC), Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, MP for La Dadekotopon (NDC), Della Sowah, MP for Kpando (NDC), Alhassan Suhuyini, MP for Tamale North (NDC), John Ntim Fordjour, MP for Assin South (NPP).

It was initially passed in February 2024; however couldn't become a law as President Akufo-Addo did not assent to it.Fast forward to after the NDC government assumed power, the bill was reintroduced in Parliament on February 17, 2026.

What was in the bill?

The bill was designed to criminalise LGBTQ+ activities, advocacy, and funding, with penalties ranging from 3 to 10 years imprisonment depending on the offence.

The bill sought to criminalize identifying as LGBTQ+, with offenders facing up to three years' imprisonment. It also proposed sanctions against individuals accused of promoting LGBTQ+ rights, including teachers, journalists, doctors, parents, and advocates.

Under the bill, LGBTQ+ organisations would have been outlawed, while donors and partner organisations risked prosecution.The legislation further proposed restrictions on media content, making digital or broadcast promotion of LGBTQ+ activities punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment.

It also sought to render same-sex marriages void and prohibit gender transition procedures. Additionally, the bill proposed mandatory reporting requirements, compelling family members, educators, religious leaders, and community members to report suspected LGBTQ+ activities.

President Mahama's comments earlier this month

In early May, President John Dramani Mahama clarified that, although he would not hesitate to sign the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, popularly known as the anti-gay Bill, which is currently before parliament into law, he believes Ghana must first address its pressing issues.

During a Presidential Dialogue with Civil Society Organisations at Jubilee House in Accra on Monday, March 30, President Mahama urged restraint and constructive engagement in ongoing national discussions on LGBTQ+ issues."LGBTQ+ issues it remains a highly emotive and sensitive issue even in the most advanced liberal democracies.

I explained during my recent engagement with the World Affairs Council that it is not the most important issue we face as a nation; we are still grappling with the provisions of basic needs of education, healthcare, jobs, food, clothing and shelter.

“Nevertheless, the private bill introduced in Parliament has sparked a complex and sensitive national conversation. Our position is guided by our constitution, respect for human rights and dignity for all persons and the need to preserve social cohesion. While there are strong and differing views within our society, we believe that issues must be addressed through democratic processes, our core values, dialogue, and the rule of law.

"I am also mindful of reactions from my international partners, including the recent development such as Lincoln University's withdrawal of their honorary decoration. These developments underscore the importance of continuous dedication and mutual respect and situating our national decisions within our constitutional and cultural context,” he said.