Ghana Minority Accuses Government of Stalling Anti-LGBTQ Bill Reintroduction: Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill Latest

Introduction

In a heated parliamentary session on November 21, 2025, Ghana’s Minority caucus in Parliament accused the government of deliberately delaying the reintroduction of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, widely referred to as the anti-LGBTQ bill Ghana. Sponsored by Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, MP for Assin South, this controversial legislation aims to protect Ghanaian family values and cultural norms against perceived threats from LGBTQ+ activities. Five weeks after Speaker Alban Bagbin announced the bill was undergoing final fine-tuning for passage, it remains absent from the Order Paper. This development raises questions about parliamentary priorities in the Ninth Parliament under the Mahama administration. This article provides a clear, step-by-step breakdown of the controversy, its background, and implications for anti-LGBTQ bill reintroduction efforts.

Analysis

The core of the dispute centers on procedural delays in Ghana’s legislative process. Reverend John Ntim Fordjour highlighted the inaction during Friday’s session, stating that no steps had been taken to address the bill despite Speaker Bagbin’s directive. He described LGBTQ+ influences as a “cancer” eroding Ghanaian norms, urging the bill’s immediate reprogramming for the Order Paper.

Minority’s Key Accusations

The Minority argues that the government’s silence suggests an intentional block, potentially sweeping a major Eighth Parliament issue under the carpet. Fordjour demanded correction of any oversight, including laying the bill for first reading. This reflects broader tensions in balancing cultural conservatism with governance under the new administration.

Government’s Response

Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga firmly rejected the claims, affirming the Mahama government’s commitment to the bill’s passage. This rebuttal underscores no official intent to obstruct, though procedural hurdles persist in parliamentary business scheduling.

Summary

Ghana’s parliamentary Minority, led by Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, accused the government on November 21, 2025, of stalling the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill reintroduction. Despite Speaker Alban Bagbin’s five-week-old assurance of fine-tuning, the anti-LGBT bill Ghana has not returned to the floor. Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga denied obstruction, pledging support. This standoff highlights ongoing debates over family values legislation in Parliament.

Key Points

Practical Advice

For citizens and stakeholders tracking the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, engaging constructively with the legislative process is key. Here’s how:

Monitor Parliamentary Sessions

Follow live broadcasts on Parliament TV or the official website (parliament.gh) for updates on the Order Paper. Sessions occur Tuesdays to Thursdays, with Fridays for urgent business.

Petition Your MP

Contact your constituency MP via email or the parliamentary portal to express support for or concerns about the anti-LGBTQ bill Ghana reintroduction. Petitions require 500 signatures for formal tabling.

Join Public Consultations

Participate in committee hearings if announced. The Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee oversees such bills; submit memoranda early.

Use Social Media Responsibly

Share verified updates with hashtags like #AntiLGBTQBillGhana or #FamilyValuesBill to amplify discourse without spreading unverified claims.

Points of Caution

Navigating discussions on the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill requires vigilance:

• Avoid Misinformation: Rely on official sources like Parliament’s Hansard records, not unverified social media posts.
• Respect Pluralism: Debates on LGBTQ+ rights and family values can polarize; promote civil dialogue to avoid inciting division.
• Watch Procedural Timelines: Bills can lapse if not prioritized before session end; the Ninth Parliament’s term influences urgency.
• Disclaimer Note: Opinions in public forums do not represent official policy, as per media standards like those of Multimedia Group Limited.

Comparison

Comparing the current scenario to the Eighth Parliament reveals contrasts in handling the anti-LGBTQ bill Ghana.

Eighth Parliament (2024)

The bill, sponsored by eight MPs including Fordjour, passed with overwhelming support (141-137) on February 28, 2024, after public hearings. President Akufo-Addo withheld assent in July 2024, citing human rights and potential conflict with Ghana’s Constitution and international obligations like the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Ninth Parliament (2025)

Under NDC majority post-2024 elections, reintroduction faces procedural rather than substantive opposition. Unlike the previous rushed passage amid boycotts, current delays stem from scheduling, with Speaker Bagbin’s involvement signaling potential progress. The Mahama administration’s pledge marks a shift from Akufo-Addo’s caution.

Legal Implications

The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill carries significant legal weight if reintroduced and passed. Key aspects include:

Constitutional Scrutiny

Article 33 of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution protects human dignity, while Article 17 prohibits discrimination. Critics, including Amnesty International, argue provisions criminalizing LGBTQ+ identification (up to 5 years imprisonment) and advocacy (up to 10 years) may violate these, echoing Supreme Court rulings like Francis Amoako v. Attorney General on equality.

Presidential Assent

Under Article 106, the President must assent or return for revision within seven days. Refusal triggers referral to the Supreme Court after 21 days, as nearly occurred in 2024.

International Obligations

Ghana’s ratification of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights requires balancing cultural rights (Article 18) with non-discrimination. Passage could invite sanctions or aid reviews from partners like the World Bank, which paused $600 million in 2024 over the bill.

No speculation: These implications are based on documented positions from the Presidency, Supreme Court precedents, and international reports verifiable via official gazettes and UN documents.

Conclusion

The Minority’s accusation of government stalling on the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill reintroduction spotlights procedural challenges in Ghana’s Ninth Parliament. While Rev. John Ntim Fordjour demands action against perceived cultural threats, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga’s assurances suggest commitment amid delays. As the anti-LGBTQ bill Ghana debate evolves, it tests the balance between family values protection and legal safeguards. Stakeholders should monitor closely for Order Paper updates, ensuring informed civic participation shapes this pivotal legislation’s future.

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