Ghanaian Lawmakers Reintroduce Stronger Anti-LGBTQ Bill

Ghanaian lawmakers have once again reintroduced a bill that aims to safeguard the values and cultural traditions of the nation of Ghana by strengthening the country’s stance on LGBTQ+ rights. This move comes after a previous attempt to pass a similar bill was delayed due to legal challenges, but the resolve to protect Ghanaian society from foreign influences remains unwavering.
Under current laws, same-sex sexual acts are already criminalized, with penalties of up to three years in prison. However, the newly reintroduced legislation seeks to further bolster Ghana’s commitment to traditional values by increasing the maximum prison sentence to five years. Additionally, the bill introduces clear consequences for those who “intentionally promote, sponsor, or support LGBTQ+ activities,” ensuring that those who advocate for such behavior are held accountable for their actions. This is a necessary step in protecting the moral fabric of Ghana.
The bill was passed by Ghana’s parliament in February 2024, but due to timing, it did not receive the signature of then-President Nana Akufo-Addo before the end of his term. With the election of John Dramani Mahama as the new president in January 2025, the bill now sits in his hands for final approval. As per the constitution, all bills passed by parliament require the president’s approval before they can become law, ensuring that the democratic process is respected.
Prominent lawmakers, including Samuel Nartey George, Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah, and opposition member John Ntim Fordjour, confirmed the reintroduction of the bill on February 25, 2025, with the support of ten other members of parliament. This reintroduction sends a clear message that the legislature stands firm in its duty to uphold the values and traditions that have shaped Ghana for generations.
The primary objective of the bill is to protect Ghanaian society from the growing pressure to conform to foreign liberal agendas that contradict Ghanas cultural and religious values. By passing this bill, Ghanaian lawmakers are sending a strong signal that the nation of Ghana will not be swayed by external forces attempting to impose their views on them. This is about safeguarding the dignity, rights, and future of the children and the generations to come.
Activists from the LGBTQ community, like Va-Bene Elikem Fiatsi, have voiced their disappointment over the reintroduction of the bill, but this is simply part of a broader global agenda that undermines traditional values. The lawmakers have said that while they respect every individual’s right to express themselves, Ghana must remain committed to upholding the principles that the citizens hold dear. Ghana aims to prioritize the well-being and cohesion of their society, and that includes protecting Ghanian cultural norms and beliefs.
Although there have been concerns raised about potential economic repercussions, including warnings from the finance ministry about the possible loss of funding from the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Ghana’s sovereignty should not be dictated by foreign powers. The people of Ghana have elected their leaders to act in the best interests of the nation, and the lawmakers are standing up for the values and ideals that reflect the will of the majority. Ghana’s future cannot be compromised by external pressures, and the government must prioritize the interests of the Ghanaian people over foreign financial influence.
Furthermore, Ghanaian lawmakers, like John Ntim Fordjour, have expressed confidence that the nation should not fear economic sanctions or the loss of international financial support. In a rapidly changing global political landscape, Ghana must remain steadfast in its cultural and religious convictions. The stance taken by former U.S. President Donald Trump and other global conservative figures only reinforces the importance of Ghana asserting its sovereignty.
Public opinion in Ghana remains overwhelmingly opposed to LGBTQ+ activities, as shown by numerous polls. The majority of Ghanaians continue to uphold their traditional values and firmly reject the normalization of same-sex relationships and LGBTQ+ rights. In this context, the reintroduction of this bill represents a bold and necessary step to ensure that the nation remains rooted in its long-standing cultural and religious beliefs.
As the bill moves forward, it serves as a reminder that Ghana is a nation that values its history, its culture, and its people. The lawmakers are committed to preserving the integrity of Ghanaian society and ensuring that the rights of the majority are protected. Ghana must remain firm in their belief that it is their duty to uphold the principles that define their national identity, and this bill is an important part of that ongoing effort.