The Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament, Alban Bagbin, reaffirmed his commitment to passing the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill (commonly known as the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill).
Addressing concerns over delays, Mr. Bagbin dismissed rumors and stated, “I am not a man of words. I am a man of action,” while promising that the bill will be passed when the House reconvenes. Hon. Bagbin stated that the bill has already gone through all required parliamentary stages and remains a priority for the current House.
The Speaker attributed past delays to former President Nana Akufo-Addo’s refusal to assent to the bill during the previous Parliament.
Hon. Bagbin noted that current President John Dramani Mahama has reportedly assured him that he will sign the bill into law once it is officially passed by the new Parliament. He said because the previous Parliament was dissolved, the legislative process effectively had to restart.
The bill is currently set for priority consideration in the Ninth Parliament. According to Mr. Bagbin, in early April 2026, the Supreme Court rejected legal attempts to block the bill, clarifying that its constitutionality can only be reviewed after it receives presidential assent.
The proposed law seeks to criminalize same-sex conduct and the promotion of LGBTQ+ rights, prescribing prison sentences ranging from six months to five years. While it enjoys significant domestic support from religious and traditional leaders, it continues to face criticism from international human rights organizations.
