Ghana's Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill Faces Presidential Scrutiny

Parliamentary Passage of Proposed Legislation

Ghana's parliament passed a private member's bill on May 29, 2026. The measure proposes up to three years imprisonment for identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer, along with a requirement to report prohibited acts to police. The bill now faces further review before any official approval.

President's Statement on Review Process

President John Mahama stated during a visit to the United Kingdom that his legal counsel and attorney general would examine the bill. He noted it originated as a private member's motion rather than a government bill. Mahama indicated the legislation would be referred to the Council of State if issues arise, with the aim of ensuring procedural order.

Chatham House Discussion on June 1

During a question-and-answer session at the Chatham House think tank in London on June 1, President Mahama addressed procedural lapses in the bill's passage. He said these matters are under review by the Speaker of parliament. Mahama also referenced prior pressure from religious leaders since taking office to strengthen measures against same-sex relationships, which remain prohibited under colonial-era laws.

Earlier Legislative Efforts and Legal Challenges

A similar bill was introduced in parliament in August 2021 following the closure of an LGBTQ+ resources centre in Accra. The previous version passed in 2024 but faced multiple lawsuits at the Supreme Court. Former President Nana Akufo-Addo did not grant assent before leaving office. The current bill was reintroduced this year by a cross-party group of MPs.

Positions of Minority Party and Rights Organizations

Minority party members, including spokesperson John Ntim Forjour, stated a preference for the 2024 version of the bill. They argued that amendments have reduced its original provisions. Human Rights Watch submitted a recommendation to the constitutional and legal affairs committee in Accra that the bill be abandoned. The current text includes exemptions for certain legal, healthcare, and media professionals while extending potential penalties to individuals identified as allies.