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Ghana May Soon Pass Controversial Anti-LGBTQ Bill to Law

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A top Ghanaian legislator has revealed that a controversial law that will impose strict regulations on issues around sexual orientation and gender identity and related activities will soon come into force.

Ghana’s Majority Chief Whip, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, has declared that President John Dramani Mahama is prepared to immediately assent to the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill once it is passed again by Parliament and presented to the Presidency.

The bill has stirred intense debate both domestically and internationally. Proponents, including faith-based organisations and conservative groups, argue that it upholds Ghanaian cultural and moral values, while human rights advocates say it risks violating individual freedoms and could strain Ghana’s international partnerships.

Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Tuesday, Dafeamekpor explained that the major obstacle to the bill becoming law in the past was not parliamentary opposition but presidential assent. He noted that the bill had previously been passed by Parliament with significant support, but stalled because the President at the time declined to sign it into law, effectively halting its implementation.

“I am not the one who will sign… let me explain,” Dafeamekpor said, recounting the bill’s progress and setbacks. “The President refused to assent to it. That was what killed that bill.”

The chief whip said the legislation’s journey underscores important constitutional questions about what happens after Parliament completes its work on a bill that is then left unsigned. He described that situation — where a bill essentially becomes an Act of Parliament pending presidential assent — as an unresolved legal issue that should ideally have been tested in Ghana’s Supreme Court.

Despite legal uncertainty and previous delays, Dafeamekpor was emphatic that the bill would be reintroduced and passed again, with assurances from stakeholders that this time around the executive branch is ready to finalise it.

“I am saying the person who will sign says, ‘My pen is ready. The ink is dripping.’ If you bring it today, I’ll sign it the next minute,” he added.

He also emphasised ongoing engagement with both Christian and Muslim religious bodies, which have maintained strong interest in the bill’s progress. Both groups have voiced support for its passage, framing it as consistent with Ghana’s traditional values, though critics see it as discriminatory against LGBTQ+ individuals.

Human rights organisations — locally and globally — have repeatedly expressed serious concerns about potential violations of freedom of expression, assembly, and personal liberty under the proposals within the bill. International partners have warned that passage could affect foreign aid, trade relationships, and Ghana’s global reputation on human rights.

As debate continues, civil society groups are gearing up for renewed advocacy. Some lawyers have already signalled potential legal challenges should the bill be reintroduced and passed, citing constitutional rights protections.

For now, the majority government’s public confidence and the President’s stated willingness to sign the bill — should it return from Parliament — have reignited a major national conversation on balance between cultural identity, legal rights, and international norms.

Ghana News

Fatal Fire on Accra-Tema Motorway, Private Awards for Ministers Trigger Backlash, Patients Stranded at KATH, and Other Big Stories in Ghana Today

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We have curated the most relevant stories in Ghana today, bringing you timely updates on key issues in the country wherever you may be. Stay tuned.

President Mahama Directs Appointees to Refrain from Awards by Doubtful Organizers
President John Dramani Mahama has directed all ministers of state, CEOs of state institutions, and other political appointees to refrain from participating in, sponsoring, endorsing, attending, or accepting awards from private organizations without express authorisation from the Office of the President. This follows concerns over the proliferation of awards from entities with unclear credentials, lacking transparent and verifiable criteria, which risk undermining public service integrity and exposing government to criticism. A recent example was the 6th Ghana Ministers of State Excellence Awards. The directive, issued via a letter dated June 8, 2026, by Secretary to the President Dr. Callistus Mahama, emphasizes performance assessment based on manifesto commitments, policy targets, and measurable outcomes rather than external recognitions. A comprehensive review of ministers and CEOs is planned to inform retention, reassignment, or restructuring. Public officials are urged to focus on service delivery and results for Ghanaians. Read the full story here

Patients Stranded at KATH as Doctors and Nurses Protest CEO Suspension
Hundreds of patients have been left stranded at the Out-Patient Department of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi as doctors and nurses refuse to attend new cases in protest against the two-week suspension of CEO Dr. Paa Kwesi Baidoo. The action stems from the Ministry of Health’s decision following the temporary closure of the Accident and Emergency Centre due to overcrowding. Health workers, backed by the Health Workers Union, argue the suspension was unjust as the decision was collective. The Ministry has appealed for staff to resume duties, warning of impacts on vulnerable patients, while investigations continue. Scenes of confusion and long waits have been reported at the facility. The standoff highlights ongoing operational pressures at Ghana’s major referral hospital, with calls for resolution to restore services. Read the full story here

Meet Edem Wosornu: Ghanaian Appointed UN Assistant High Commissioner for Protection
The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed Ghanaian Edem Wosornu as Assistant High Commissioner for Protection at the UNHCR, succeeding Ruvendrini Menikdiwela of Sri Lanka. Currently Director of OCHA’s Crisis Response Division (appointed April 2023) and Chair of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee Emergency Directors Group, Wosornu brings over 21 years of humanitarian experience. She previously held leadership roles in OCHA’s Humanitarian Sector Division and worked with UNHCR and in private legal practice in London. She holds advanced legal qualifications from UK institutions and speaks English and French. Her appointment highlights Ghanaian expertise on the global stage in humanitarian affairs. Read the full story here

Fuel Tanker-Tipper Truck Crash Sparks Fatal Fire on Accra-Tema Motorway
A collision between a fuel tanker and a tipper truck on the Accra-Tema Motorway early on June 9, 2026, triggered a major fire outbreak. The Ghana National Fire Service confirmed the blaze has been fully extinguished, with recovery operations and investigations ongoing at the scene.

The incident was described as fatal, though specific casualty details were not immediately released. Emergency responders worked to contain the fire and secure the busy motorway. Authorities are investigating the cause as motorists and commuters expressed concerns over safety on the critical route. Read the full story here

Mahama to Assess Ministers Ahead of Possible Reshuffle
President John Dramani Mahama is set to conduct a comprehensive performance review of ministers and CEOs of state institutions, with findings to guide retention, reassignment, or Cabinet restructuring. This ties into a directive barring public officials from questionable private awards, urging focus on policy delivery and measurable results. The review aligns with the 2024 NDC Manifesto and government development agenda. The move signals emphasis on accountability and effective governance. Read the full story here

Cedi Weakens Further Amid Second Quarter FX Demand Pressures
The Ghana cedi has continued depreciating against major currencies due to rising foreign exchange demand and corporate repatriation needs. In the interbank market, it traded at GHS 11.85/USD (from GHS 11.63), with similar losses against the pound and euro. Retail rates also rose, reflecting broader pressures despite Bank of Ghana interventions. Analysts expect further strain from Q2 profit outflows, though a $1.2 billion monthly FX support is anticipated. Global factors like high oil prices contribute to the bearish outlook. Read the full story here

Unchecked Development Driving Recurring Accra Floods – Prof. Chris Gordon
Environmental scientist Prof. Chris Gordon has attributed recurring floods in areas like Oyarifa to buildings in natural waterways and drainage paths, destroying vegetation and creating impervious surfaces. He described the incidents as predictable outcomes of rapid, unchecked urban development replacing farmlands and forests. Stricter planning enforcement and land-use management are needed to mitigate risks. “You cannot cheat nature,” he emphasised, calling for science-based approaches to urban planning. Read the full story here

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Today’s Newspaper Headlines: Tuesday, June 9, 2026

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Tuesday, June 9, 2026. Stay informed with today’s front pages of Ghanaian newspapers, all in one place.

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‘Once You Have Life, There Is Hope’: Ghana Demands Compensation for Citizens Hit by South Africa Attacks

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Ghana’s government has launched a formal push for compensation on behalf of citizens evacuated from South Africa following deadly xenophobic attacks, with Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa urging returnees to meticulously document every lost property, business, and asset.

Addressing the second batch of evacuees on arrival in Accra on Saturday, June 6, 2026, Ablakwa made clear that the West African nation’s response would not end with evacuation.

“We are not only concerned about evacuating you, but we are concerned about your full integration,” he said. “The government of Ghana has decided that we are not going to sit back without any effort in attempting to secure compensation for those of you who have lost your properties, lost your assets, lost your businesses and your shops.”

The minister directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to begin assembling documentation and evidence to support a legal compensation case. He urged returnees to provide ownership documents, addresses, and any supporting records that could strengthen Ghana’s claim.

“Please make sure that you provide all the information that we require,” he said, noting that forms were already being circulated.

Ablakwa disclosed that President John Dramani Mahama had instructed him to petition the African Union over the matter and raise it at the next AU ministerial meeting.

“President Mahama is going to make a very strong case for you so that you will be compensated and justice will be done,” he stated.

While acknowledging the heavy losses suffered by some evacuees who had spent decades building businesses in South Africa, Ablakwa struck a tone of resilience:

“Yes, you have lost property, you have lost assets, you have left your businesses behind… but nothing comes anywhere near life. Once you have life, there is hope.”

Ghana acted swiftly to evacuate its citizens before the situation worsened, the minister said, adding that several other African countries had reported fatalities among their nationals during the unrest. Ghana’s evacuation strategy has since drawn interest from multiple African governments, with foreign ministers contacting Accra to learn from its operation.

Beyond compensation, Ablakwa announced that nearly 200 jobs had already been secured for returning Ghanaians through a government initiative involving local businesses. Companies including Engineers and Planners, AirtelTigo, and Telecel have responded positively, he said, with additional employers continuing to offer vacancies.

Reassuring evacuees of continued government support for reintegration, Ablakwa emphasized their value to Ghana’s economy, pointing to remittances from Ghanaians abroad, which reached a record US$7.8 billion last year, according to Bank of Ghana data.

“We value you because you have always contributed to this economy,” he said.

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