Parliament of Ghana has passed the amended Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, commonly referred to as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill.

The legislation, which seeks to prohibit LGBTQ+ activities and related advocacy in Ghana, was approved following the adoption of several amendments that provide exemptions for certain individuals and professional groups.

Under the revised bill, lawyers who provide legal advice or representation to persons identified as LGBTQ+ will not be liable to sanctions under the law. Journalists and media organisations reporting on LGBTQ+-related matters in the course of their professional duties are also exempt from punishment.

In addition, healthcare professionals, including medical practitioners, psychologists and counsellors who provide healthcare or counselling services to LGBTQ+ persons, will not face penalties under the legislation.

The Minority Caucus strongly opposed the amendments, arguing that they indicate that the earlier version of the bill, which was previously submitted to former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for assent, contained significant flaws and was not fit for purpose.

Despite these concerns, Parliament proceeded to pass the amended bill.

Background

The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill has been one of the most debated and controversial pieces of legislation in Ghana in recent years.

The bill was initially introduced to strengthen existing laws relating to same-sex relations and to prohibit the promotion, advocacy, funding and public support of LGBTQ+ activities in the country.

Prior to the introduction of the bill, Ghana’s Criminal Offences Act already criminalised what is described as “unnatural carnal knowledge,” a provision that has traditionally been interpreted to include consensual same-sex relations between adults. Proponents of the bill, however, argued that existing laws did not adequately address LGBTQ+ advocacy, public campaigns and related activities.

The legislation was first introduced in Parliament in 2021 as a Private Members’ Bill by Ningo-Prampram Member of Parliament, Sam George, together with co-sponsors from both sides of the House.

The bill received strong support from various religious bodies, traditional authorities and conservative groups, who maintained that it was necessary to safeguard Ghanaian cultural, religious and family values.

However, the bill also attracted criticism from human rights organisations, legal experts, civil society groups and international bodies, who argued that some of its provisions could infringe on constitutional rights and fundamental freedoms.

The original bill proposed penalties for same-sex relations, LGBTQ+ advocacy and promotion, the formation or funding of LGBTQ+ organisations, public displays of same-sex affection and activities perceived to support LGBTQ+ rights.

Following extensive consultations, committee reviews and parliamentary debates over several years, Parliament first passed the bill in February 2024 and forwarded it to then-President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for assent.

The President, however, did not immediately sign the bill into law as legal challenges were filed at the Supreme Court questioning both the constitutionality of the bill and the process leading to its passage.

Petitioners argued that certain provisions of the bill violated constitutional rights, including freedom of expression, freedom of association and equality before the law. Questions were also raised regarding procedural requirements relating to Private Members’ Bills and possible financial implications of the legislation.

The legal challenges delayed the bill’s progress and prevented it from becoming law.

In 2025, Parliament revisited the legislation and introduced amendments before approving it once again on Friday, 29 May 2026.

The amended bill provides exemptions for lawyers offering legal representation to LGBTQ+ persons, journalists and media houses reporting on LGBTQ+ matters, and healthcare professionals providing medical, psychological or counselling services.

Supporters of the amendments argue that the changes are necessary to protect constitutional rights and professional responsibilities. Opponents, however, maintain that the amendments expose weaknesses in the earlier version of the bill.

With Parliament’s approval secured, the next stage will depend on presidential assent and any further legal or constitutional challenges that may arise.

The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill remains one of the most divisive social and political issues in Ghana, attracting strong reactions from religious organisations, political actors, human rights advocates and the international community.

Management of Zoomlion Ghana Limited has strongly denied allegations contained in the Auditor-General’s findings regarding cleaning and vector control services provided during the 13th All African Games.

In a press statement issued on May 27, 2026, the company described the allegations as “untrue,” insisting that the report misinterpreted the nature of the contracts and ignored supporting documents already available to authorities at the time of the audit.

According to Zoomlion, the Auditor-General wrongly combined two separate services — vector control and janitorial services — and treated them as duplicated labour charges.

The company explained that vector control operations involved mosquito control, fogging and pest management using specialised equipment, while janitorial services focused on daily cleaning, waste evacuation, disinfection and washroom maintenance at the various sporting venues.

Zoomlion maintained that the appearance of “labour” costs in both invoices was legitimate because the two operations required different teams, schedules and technical responsibilities.

The company further clarified that all “services” charges referenced in the audit were clearly defined in signed contracts and service level agreements. These reportedly covered more than 30 operational activities, including waste collection, mechanical sweeping, vacuum cleaning, provision of sanitary materials, mobile toilet services, medical waste treatment and water supply operations.

Management also stated that detailed records of equipment and consumables used during the Games were available, including deployment logs for compaction trucks, medical waste trucks, thermal foggers, scrubbers, vacuum machines and sanitation consumables.

Zoomlion said all invoices, contracts, supervision logs and deployment records had already been submitted to the Ministry of Sports and other relevant state agencies before the audit findings were published.

The company added that services were delivered continuously from March 1 to April 1, 2024, with more than 350 personnel reportedly trained for the assignment. It also claimed there were no sanitation failures or disease outbreaks throughout the Games period.

In conclusion, Zoomlion reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, integrity and accountability, while rejecting all allegations contained in the Auditor-General’s report.

The statement was signed by the Corporate Communications Directorate of Zoomlion Ghana Limited.

The first group of Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa following renewed xenophobic tensions has safely arrived in Accra, as government intensifies efforts to protect citizens caught up in the growing unrest.

The evacuees touched down at the Kotoka International Airport on Wednesday, May 27, where they were officially received by a government delegation led by the Chief of Staff and the Minister for Foreign Affairs.

The evacuation exercise was coordinated by Ghana’s diplomatic mission in South Africa in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after increasing reports of intimidation, attacks and hostility against foreign nationals heightened fears among migrant communities.

Several of the returnees are believed to have fled areas where tensions have escalated in recent weeks, with reports indicating that some migrants suffered harassment, threats and destruction of property.

Government officials disclosed that temporary support measures, including counselling services and reintegration assistance, have been arranged for affected individuals and families returning to Ghana.

Authorities explained that the evacuation operation was initially scheduled to commence on May 21, but had to be postponed following a sharp increase in the number of Ghanaians requesting evacuation support.

According to officials, the unexpected rise in applications placed pressure on logistical arrangements such as travel documentation, accommodation, transportation and flight coordination, as efforts were made to ensure the safe return of all affected persons.

The latest development has once again drawn attention to the persistent challenge of xenophobic violence in South Africa, where foreign nationals have repeatedly come under attack during periods of economic hardship and social tension.

Over the years, migrants from several African countries, including Ghana, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Somalia, Ethiopia and Malawi, have been victims of violent outbreaks linked to frustrations over unemployment, crime and competition for jobs and business opportunities.

Some of the deadliest xenophobic attacks in South Africa occurred in 2008, leaving dozens dead and thousands displaced. Similar incidents resurfaced in 2015 and 2019, triggering widespread condemnation across Africa and renewed calls for stronger protection of migrants on the continent.

Although South African authorities have consistently condemned xenophobic violence and pledged to protect all residents regardless of nationality, many migrant communities continue to express concerns over their safety during periods of unrest.

The arrival of the evacuees in Accra has further heightened concerns about the welfare and security of Ghanaians living abroad, particularly in countries facing social instability and anti-foreigner sentiments.

Government officials say further evacuations may be carried out as authorities continue to monitor the situation in South Africa and engage Ghanaian communities through diplomatic channels.