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Ghana’s Parliamentary Committee Resumes Public Hearings on Controversial Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill

Ghana’s Parliamentary Committee on Constitutional and Legal Affairs is holding a two-day public hearing starting today, Thursday, 23rd April, and concluding on Friday, 24th April, 2026, to deliberate on the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025.

Date Created : 4/23/2026 12:00:00 AM : Story Author : Dominic Shirimori/ghanadistricts.com

The hearing offers an opportunity for civil society organizations (CSOs), faith-based groups, legal experts, and individual members of the public to make formal inputs on the proposed legislation.

A Bill With a Contentious History

The bill is not new to Ghana’s legislature. It was previously passed by the eighth Parliament of the Fourth Republic, receiving broad cross-party support. However, it stalled at the final stage when former President Nana Akufo-Addo declined to grant presidential assent, citing pending legal challenges and concerns over certain provisions.

With the dissolution of the eighth Parliament, the bill became moot – a standard legal consequence when a parliamentary term ends before a bill becomes law.

Following the inauguration of the ninth Parliament, the bill was reintroduced as the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, effectively restarting the legislative process.

What the Bill Seeks to Do

The bill proposes to:

· Prohibit and criminalize certain acts related to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) relationships

· Ban the promotion, advocacy, or funding of LGBTQ+ activities

· Impose penalties, including prison sentences, for individuals and organizations found in violation

Supporters, including many faith leaders and traditional authorities, argue the bill is necessary to safeguard Ghanaian cultural and family values. Opponents, including human rights groups and some legal bodies, contend it would violate fundamental constitutional rights to privacy, dignity, and equality.

Next Steps After the Hearing

At the close of the two-day session, the committee will compile the submissions into a report. That report will guide further amendments and a vote on the floor of Parliament. If passed again, the bill will be presented to President John Dramani Mahama for assent.

Observers note that the current administration has not yet signaled a clear position on the revived bill, though legal analysts expect it to face similar constitutional scrutiny as its predecessor.