Ghana passes anti-LGBTQ bill

Parliament of Ghana has approved a controversial bill that criminalises the promotion and funding of LGBTQ activities in the country.

The legislation, titled the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, was passed on Friday through a voice vote after receiving unanimous backing from the Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee, according to First Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor.

The bill was introduced last year following the inauguration of President John Dramani Mahama and is expected to be sent to him for assent amid growing pressure from religious groups and supporters.

A similar version of the bill had earlier been passed in 2024 under former President Nana Akufo-Addo but was not signed into law due to legal challenges.

The newly approved bill retains penalties of up to three years’ imprisonment for same-sex relations, while introducing stricter provisions targeting the promotion, sponsorship, or funding of LGBTQ activities, with offenders facing prison terms of up to five years.

It also includes a “duty to report” clause, requiring individuals to inform authorities of prohibited acts, with failure to do so attracting possible jail terms.

In addition, the legislation amends Ghana’s Extradition Act of 1960 to classify offences under the new law as extraditable.

The development is expected to spark further debate both within Ghana and internationally over human rights and legal protections.