President John Dramani Mahama is expected to sign the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025 into law. Parliament passed this controversial legislation on Friday, May 29, 2026. The bill aims to criminalise activities related to LGBTQ+ individuals in Ghana.
The Akwatia MP, Bernard Bediako, expressed strong confidence that the President will not hesitate to give his assent. He stated that President Mahama is committed to the will of the people. This bill presents a new challenge for President Mahama's administration. It follows the inability of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to assent to a similar bill.
The bill's journey has been long and contentious since its reintroduction for a second reading in the House on Thursday, May 28. Originally presented in June 2021 by a bipartisan group of MPs, it seeks to outlaw same-sex sexual relations and LGBTQ+ advocacy. Parliament's Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee reviewed the bill extensively. Public hearings occurred between 2021 and 2022. These hearings involved many groups, including religious bodies and civil society organisations.
“He [President Mahama] will not play games with the people of Ghana,” stated MP Bernard Bediako. “He will not, even if Senior [Manhyia South MP, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah] decides to go to court. I know that the very day President Mahama receives this, he would assent to this.” Mr. Bediako added that the bill is now being fine-tuned. Proper drafting is essential before presidential submission.
The passage of this bill carries significant implications. It signals a firm stance by the government on social values. Stakeholders will monitor the President's assent closely. Any legal challenges could also impact its implementation. The economic effects of such social policies are often debated globally. Investors and international bodies may observe Ghana's next steps.