John Mahama Vows to Assent to Anti-LGBTQ Bill if Ghana’s Parliament Passes It: What You Need to Know

In a pivotal statement amid ongoing debates on Ghana’s anti-LGBTQ legislation, former President and National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer John Mahama affirmed his readiness to sign the controversial bill into law if it secures parliamentary approval. This development reignites discussions on the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, commonly referred to as the anti-LGBTQ bill in Ghana. As the nation anticipates the ninth Parliament’s proceedings, Mahama’s position underscores cultural and religious alignments while highlighting tensions in human rights discourse.

Introduction

John Mahama’s declaration on November 18, 2025, during a courtesy call at Jubilee House by the Christian Council of Ghana, marks a significant moment in the trajectory of Ghana’s anti-LGBTQ bill. “If Parliament endorses the bill, votes on it, and passes it, and it comes to me as president, I will sign it,” Mahama stated unequivocally. This commitment aligns with widespread public support in Ghana for measures restricting LGBTQ+ activities, as evidenced by surveys from Afrobarometer indicating over 90% opposition to homosexuality.

Background on the Anti-LGBTQ Legislation

The Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, first introduced in February 2021 as a private member’s bill by MP Sam George and seven colleagues, seeks to criminalize LGBTQ+ advocacy, promotion, and practices. Key provisions include up to three years imprisonment for identifying as LGBTQ+ and up to 10 years for promotion or funding. After years in committee, it faced hurdles with the dissolution of the eighth Parliament in January 2025.

Analysis

Mahama’s stance reflects a strategic alignment with Ghanaian societal values, where traditional family structures and Christian influences dominate public opinion. His remarks emphasize trust in parliamentary processes: “We trust the Speaker to lay the bill and let Parliament debate it.” This positions him in contrast to his predecessor, Nana Akufo-Addo, who withheld assent citing ongoing Supreme Court challenges.

Parliamentary Hurdles and Speaker’s Ruling

On October 28, 2025, Speaker Alban Bagbin ruled that the bill must be reintroduced in the ninth Parliament, as all pending business from the eighth Parliament lapsed upon dissolution. “The eighth Parliament is history. So are all the businesses that were pending,” Bagbin clarified, rejecting arguments from Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga that it had already passed. This ruling ensures fresh debate, potentially incorporating amendments.

Reintroduction as Private Member’s Bill

Sam George, MP for Ningo-Prampram, reintroduced the bill shortly after, fulfilling his pledge to constituents. “Four weeks and a few days ago, together with some colleagues, we reintroduced the bill as a private member’s bill,” George confirmed on Joy News’ PM Express. Notably, Mahama had previously expressed a preference for executive sponsorship, but George’s action prioritizes legislative momentum.

Summary

John Mahama pledges to assent to Ghana’s anti-LGBTQ bill upon parliamentary passage, following its reintroduction in the ninth Parliament per Speaker Bagbin’s October 28 ruling. This aligns with cultural consensus but contrasts with prior executive hesitancy amid legal reviews. The bill’s fate hinges on debates, votes, and potential amendments, shaping Ghana’s stance on human sexual rights and family values.

Key Points

Practical Advice

For citizens tracking Ghana’s anti-LGBTQ legislation, stay informed through official channels like Parliament’s website (parliament.gh) and verified news outlets. Engage constructively in public consultations if announced.

Following Parliamentary Proceedings

Monitor hansard.gh for live debates. Subscribe to alerts from the Clerk to Parliament for bill status updates. Use apps like Ghana Parliament Tracker for real-time notifications on votes related to the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights Bill.

Advocacy and Participation

Petition your MP via email or constituency offices. Join civil society forums, ensuring submissions respect Article 21 of Ghana’s Constitution on freedom of expression. Document positions for potential amicus briefs in court.

Points of Caution

While the bill enjoys broad domestic support, it draws international criticism from human rights groups like Amnesty International, which labels it draconian. Enactment could impact foreign aid, as seen in Uganda’s case post-2023 anti-homosexuality law, where World Bank halted loans.

Potential for Social Division

Debates may intensify urban-rural divides; Afrobarometer data shows consistent opposition across demographics. Avoid inflammatory rhetoric to prevent unrest, per Ghana Police Service guidelines.

Implementation Challenges

Enforcement requires judicial training; past laws like the Criminal Offences Act (1960) amendments highlight resource strains on police and courts.

Comparison

Mahama’s firm assent contrasts sharply with President Nana Akufo-Addo’s approach. Akufo-Addo refused to sign the bill in 2023, citing a pending Supreme Court suit by Dr. Amanda Odoi and Richard Sky, arguing violations of Articles 12, 15, 17, 18, 21, and 33 of the Constitution.

Akufo-Addo vs. Mahama Stances

Regional Context

Similar to Uganda’s 2023 law (up to life imprisonment) and Kenya’s ongoing debates, Ghana’s bill positions it firmly in Africa’s conservative bloc, differing from South Africa’s progressive constitution.

Legal Implications

The bill’s provisions risk constitutional scrutiny under Ghana’s 1992 Constitution. Article 17 prohibits discrimination, Article 18 safeguards privacy, and Article 21 protects expression. A 2023 Supreme Court suit contends the bill’s clauses on advocacy infringe freedoms; no ruling yet as of November 2025.

Supreme Court Precedents

In New Patriotic Party v. Inspector-General of Police (1993), the court upheld assembly rights with limits. If passed, expect challenges akin to Botswana’s 2019 decriminalization via High Court. Assent by Mahama would trigger mandatory 7-day review per Article 106(7), potentially leading to referral back for amendments.

International Law Obligations

Ghana’s ratification of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Article 2 non-discrimination) and ICCPR invites ECOWAS Court or ACHPR reviews, though domestic sovereignty prevails.

Conclusion

John Mahama’s pledge to sign the anti-LGBTQ bill if Parliament passes it signals a potential shift toward enactment in Ghana’s ninth Parliament. Rooted in cultural and religious convictions, this stance navigates parliamentary revival post-Speaker Bagbin’s ruling and Sam George’s reintroduction. While domestic backing is strong, legal and international dimensions warrant vigilant monitoring. As debates unfold, the outcome will define Ghana’s balance of tradition, rights, and governance in the realm of human sexual rights and family values legislation.

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