General News
PARLIAMENT PASSES AMENDED HUMAN SEXUAL RIGHTS AND FAMILY VALUES BILL 2025
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.
A new performance survey conducted across 83 constituencies in June 2026 has revealed significant differences in how Members of Parliament (MPs) are rated by their constituents.
The poll assessed MPs based on four categories: Excellent/Very Good/Good, Average, Poor/Very Poor, and No Opinion. The findings show that several MPs received overwhelming approval for their performance, while others faced strong criticism from voters.
Leading the rankings is the MP for Nsawam/Adoagyiri, who recorded an impressive 98% approval rating, making the constituency the highest-rated in the survey. Tolon and Tain followed closely with 94% each, while Navrongo Central secured 93%. Other constituencies that featured prominently among the top performers include Offinso North (91%), Kpando (88%), Tano North (88%), Twifo Atti Morkwa (86%), Old Tafo (85%), and Akim Oda (83%).
Several constituencies also posted strong approval ratings between 70% and 81%, including Buem (81%), Afigya Sekyere East (81%), Krowor (80%), North Tongu (79%), Asutifi South (78%), Talensi (78%), Awutu Senya West (77%), Manhyia South (77%), and Komenda Edina Eguafo Abrem (77%).
However, the survey also identified constituencies where MPs received low approval ratings. Asene/Manso/Akroso ranked last with just 9% of respondents rating their MP as Excellent, Very Good, or Good. Takoradi followed with 13%, while Bosomtwe (15%), Achiase (16%), Bole-Bamboi (21%), Nhiaeso (23%), Juaben (25%), and Subin (29%) also recorded poor ratings. Notably, Asene/Manso/Akroso had the highest Poor/Very Poor rating of 87%, followed by Takoradi with 65%.
The leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has convened an emergency meeting following the High Court’s judgment in the case involving the party’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, over the Samreboi mining matter.
The meeting is being attended by the party’s national leadership, its Flagbearer, and the NPP’s legal team. According to the party, the purpose of the meeting is to conduct a thorough review of the court’s decision and determine the appropriate legal and political steps to take.
In a statement issued on behalf of the party, General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong said the NPP is carefully assessing the judgment before announcing its official position.
“The leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), together with our Flagbearer and the Party’s legal team, is currently in a meeting to thoroughly review the judgment delivered by the Court… and to determine the appropriate next course of action,” the statement said.
The party indicated that an official communication outlining the outcome of the meeting and any decisions taken will be released in due course.
Justin Kodua Frimpong also appealed to party supporters and members across the country to remain calm and united while the leadership completes its deliberations.
He urged members of the NPP to rally behind the party’s leadership during what he described as a challenging moment, stressing the need for calm, discipline, unity, and an unwavering commitment to the party’s values and interests.
The emergency meeting comes after the High Court delivered its judgment in Chairman Wontumi’s case relating to alleged illegal mining activities on the Samreboi concession, a ruling that has generated significant political interest nationwide.
The National Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Henry Nana Boakye, popularly known as Nana B, has officially announced his intention to contest for the position of National First Vice Chairman of the party ahead of its upcoming internal elections.
In a statement addressed to party executives, elders, patrons and members of the NPP, Nana B said his decision was inspired by a deep sense of duty and gratitude after serving the party for 26 years in various leadership positions.
According to him, the experience and lessons he has gained over the years have prepared him to help strengthen the party’s structures, reconnect with the grassroots and contribute significantly to the NPP’s mission of returning to power in the 2028 general elections.
Nana B highlighted his extensive political journey within the party, beginning at the polling station level where he served as a Polling Station Agent during the 2000 General Elections in the then Manhyia Constituency. He later became Polling Station Chairman in both the Tarkwa-Nsuaem and Oforikrom constituencies. He also served as a member of the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Constituency Campaign Team and as Communications Officer for the Oforikrom Constituency.
At the regional and youth level, he served as TESCON President at both the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). He also served as a member of the Ashanti Regional Communications Team, a member of the 2016 Ashanti Regional Campaign Team, Director of Events and Programmes for the National Youth Wing, National Youth Organiser, and Vice Chairman of the International Young Democrat Union (IYDU).
At the national level, Nana B has served in several strategic roles, including Member of the NPP National Communications Team, Member of the 2020 Presidential Election Petition Legal Team, Member of the 2020 and 2024 National Campaign Teams, National Organiser, Vice Chairman of the 2025 National Delegates Conference Planning Committee, Member of the National Steering Committee, National Executive Committee and National Council.
He stated that his ambition is rooted in the belief that unity, renewed determination and effective leadership will reposition the New Patriotic Party for victory in the 2028 elections.
Nana B appealed to party faithful to support his bid with their prayers, guidance and encouragement as he embarks on what he described as an important journey for the future of the NPP.
He signed the statement as “Henry Nana Boakye (Nana B), Next National First Vice Chairman, NPP,” and adopted the campaign slogan “Bold, Fearless and Experienced.“
John Dumelo Earns 59% Approval, Places 48th in 2026 MP Performance Poll
June 2026 Poll Ranks Best and Worst Performing MPs Across 83 Constituencies
“Padiki Did Everything, Yet Was Never Paid” – Derrick Manny Drops Shocking Claim
-
Entertainment2 weeks agoMahama: More Funding Coming for Creative Arts in 2027
-
Entertainment1 week agoDerrick Manny Calls for Better Support for Ghanaian Creatives Following Dede Padiki’s Death
-
Entertainment2 weeks agoApostle Kwadwo Safo Kantanka’s Reported Will: Companies, Beneficiaries and Final Wishes
-
General News2 weeks agoGhana’s Creative Industry Grieves the Loss of Renowned Visual Artist Sharon Dede Padiki Padi
-
General News2 weeks agoKwadwo Safo Kantanka’s Will Gave Akofena Control Over His Body and Funeral, Not Entire Empire – Lawyer Clarifies
-
Entertainment2 weeks agoInfluencer Kwatemaa Andoh Says She Won’t Marry a Poor Man
-
Entertainment2 weeks agoCaptain Smart defends Abu Trica interview: ‘I only acted in my role as a journalist’
-
Entertainment2 weeks ago‘What Happened?’ DKB Questions Jordan Ayew