President John Dramani Mahama has raised concern over the recently passed Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, popularly known as the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill, on Friday, May 29.

During a question-and-answer session at Chatham House in UK on Monday June 1, President Mahama, he indicated that he can only assent to the bill once those lapses are rectified.

According to him, the bill is marred by procedural and legal issues which were not addressed by Parliament before its passage. He emphasised that, given the domestic and international attention surrounding the bill, Ghana must ensure the right thing is done.

“The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill has probably been the bill that has evoked the most interest in Ghana. It shows how important issues of family values are. There have been a few issues raised. One, that there wasn’t quorum when it was passed. That’s an issue that has come up, and then two, there were some procedural lapses in terms of its passage,” he stated.

The President further added that, the legal counsel in the Presidency and the Attorney General would sit on it and make sure that everything is in order before the before he gives his approval.

“The president has another option. If there are some things that he thinks are a problem, he can refer it to the Council of State for advice. If substantial issues are raised, the president would return the bill to Parliament indicating exactly what the issues are. So there’s still quite a while to go before that bill becomes law,” he added.

After five (5) years of heated public debate and international attention, Parliament has passed the controversial anti-LGBTQ bill on Fri8day, May 29. The bill, formally titled the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, seeks to criminalise LGBTQ+ activities, advocacy, funding and the promotion of what it describes as non-conventional sexual relations.

Initially, when the bill was introduced, critics argued that the legislation could violate constitutional rights, including freedom of expression and association, and protection from discrimination.

However, the supporters of the bill, including religious bodies and traditional leaders, insisted that it is necessary to protect Ghanaian cultural, moral, and family values. Several openly supported the bill throughout parliamentary deliberations, insisting that it reflects the beliefs and values of the majority of Ghanaians.

One of the provisions in the bill that sparked heavy debate was an attempt to introduce clauses exempting journalists, media houses, lawyers, doctors, counsellors and other professionals from sanctions if their work involved LGBTQ-related matters in the normal course of duty.

The proposed amendments sought to protect media practitioners reporting on LGBTQ-related issues, as well as medical and mental health professionals providing services to affected persons.

But co-sponsor of the bill and Assin South MP, Rev John Ntim Fordjour, together with Bosome-Freho MP Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh and other Minority MPs, strongly opposed the changes.

According to them, such exemptions could create loopholes that may eventually be used to promote LGBTQ+ activities in the country.

About the Anti-LGBTQ Bill

It was first introduced in 2021 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 criminalise 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.