Ghana Takes Measured Approach to Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill as President Mahama Orders Further Review
Ghana’s proposed anti-LGBTQ+ legislation is set to undergo additional legal and constitutional scrutiny before receiving presidential approval, a move that underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring due process on one of the country’s most debated social issues.
President John Dramani Mahama, speaking during an official visit to the United Kingdom, revealed that the recently passed bill will be carefully examined by his legal team and the Attorney General before any final decision is taken. The legislation, which was approved by Parliament, seeks to criminalize LGBTQ+ activities and introduces penalties for individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer.
Addressing participants during a question-and-answer session at Chatham House in London, President Mahama explained that the bill originated as a private members’ motion rather than a government-sponsored initiative, making it necessary for the executive branch to conduct a thorough review before proceeding.
“We will look at it and make sure that everything is in order,” the President stated, adding that if legal or constitutional concerns emerge, the bill will be referred to the Council of State for further advice and consideration.
The President also disclosed that certain procedural concerns surrounding the passage of the bill are currently being addressed by the Speaker of Parliament, highlighting the administration’s intention to ensure that all legislative requirements are fully satisfied.
The development marks the latest chapter in Ghana’s ongoing national conversation regarding LGBTQ+ rights and cultural values. Since returning to office, President Mahama has faced increasing calls from religious and traditional groups to strengthen laws that reflect what supporters describe as Ghanaian family and moral values.
The current bill proposes prison terms of up to three years for individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ and introduces provisions requiring citizens to report prohibited activities to law enforcement authorities. Additionally, individuals identified as supporters or “allies” of LGBTQ+ persons could face legal sanctions under the proposed legislation.
However, lawmakers have introduced amendments that distinguish the current version from an earlier bill passed in 2024. The revised legislation exempts healthcare professionals, legal practitioners, journalists, and other service providers who offer medical care, legal representation, or professional services to LGBTQ+ individuals, or who report on related issues in the course of their work.
The legislation is the second major attempt by Parliament to enact comprehensive anti-LGBTQ+ laws. A similar bill was first introduced in 2021 following the closure of an LGBTQ+ resource center in Accra. That version was eventually passed by Parliament in 2024 but did not receive presidential assent before the end of former President Nana Akufo-Addo’s administration.
At the time, multiple legal challenges were filed at Ghana’s Supreme Court, creating uncertainty over the bill’s constitutional validity and contributing to delays in its approval.
The latest version was reintroduced by a bipartisan group of Members of Parliament, reflecting continued political support for stricter legislation. Nevertheless, some lawmakers from the minority caucus have expressed concerns that recent amendments have weakened the bill’s effectiveness compared to the 2024 version.
According to Minority spokesperson John Ntim Forjour, the revised legislation no longer carries the same level of deterrence and enforcement strength that supporters believed was necessary to achieve its objectives.
The bill continues to attract significant attention both within Ghana and internationally. Human rights organizations have criticized the legislation, arguing that it could infringe upon the rights and freedoms of sexual minorities. Human Rights Watch has formally called for the bill to be abandoned, submitting recommendations to parliamentary committees reviewing the proposal.
Supporters, however, maintain that the legislation is necessary to preserve Ghana’s cultural identity, social values, and traditional family structures.
As discussions continue, the government’s decision to subject the bill to further scrutiny signals an effort to balance public sentiment, constitutional requirements, and international attention. The outcome of the review process is expected to shape the next phase of Ghana’s evolving debate on social values, human rights, and legislative governance.
With the bill now awaiting executive consideration, many Ghanaians and international observers will be closely watching the steps taken by the Mahama administration in determining the future of one of the country’s most consequential pieces of social legislation.
