Ghanaian Parliament’s Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill: Status & Comments from Mahama Ayariga
The controversial Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, often called the “anti-LGBTQ+ bill”, continues to stir heated debate in Ghana, with key parliamentary figures offering differing views on its status and next steps.
Bill’s Parliamentary Passage & Pending Presidential Assent
The bill was passed by the Parliament of Ghana on 28 February 2024. However, despite its passage through Parliament, it has not yet become law because it still requires presidential assent. Under Ghanaian procedure, a bill must be sent to the President for signature before it becomes law.
The previous President, Nana Akufo‑Addo, delayed signing the bill, citing the need for a ruling from the Supreme Court of Ghana on its constitutionality and the potential financial implications for the country.
In March 2025, a group of ten MPs re-introduced the bill as a private member’s motion after the earlier version lapsed with the dissolution of Parliament ahead of elections.
Mahama Ayariga’s Statement
Mahama Ayariga, Majority Leader of Parliament, has stated that the bill still has the support of his party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC). He was quoted as saying that the party’s stance remains unchanged and that the matter “just needs to be signed” because “it has already been passed”.
Gaps & Clarification
However, Ayariga’s phrasing — that the bill “just needs to be signed” — does not entirely align with the legal reality, which is:
• The bill has passed Parliament, but that alone does not make it law.
• Without presidential assent, the bill cannot take effect.
• Because the earlier version lapsed and has been re-introduced, the process essentially must restart through committees and readings.
Thus, while Parliament has approved it in February 2024, further legislative and executive steps remain.
Domestic and International Reactions
Human rights organisations and international observers have criticised the bill, warning it could undermine rights protections in Ghana and potentially jeopardise international funding. For example, the World Bank and International Monetary Fund have reportedly flagged the bill as a risk to Ghana’s access to multilateral financing.
On the domestic front, supporters emphasise that the bill aligns with Ghana’s traditional values and cultural norms, while opponents argue it violates human rights and fundamental freedoms.
What’s Next
• The re-introduced bill will need to go through the full parliamentary process again (committee review, readings, passage).
• The President (now John Dramani Mahama, inaugurated January 2025) has indicated a preference for a government-sponsored version of the legislation rather than a private-member’s bill.
• The outcome of court challenges and potential international financial implications will remain important variables.
• Until presidential assent is given and the bill is gazetted into law, the legislation remains proposed and not yet operative.
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In Summary
While the bill has been passed by Parliament, it has not yet been signed into law. The statement by Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga that it “just needs to be signed” is partially correct in that presidential assent is required — but the legislative process is not fully complete given the re-introduction and procedural requirements. The final legal status remains subject to presidential action and ongoing legislative work.
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