Ghana News
Ghana’s Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill Clears Key Hurdle: Speaker Orders Parliament to Schedule It for Debate
The Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament Alban Sumana Bagbin has directed the Business Committee to schedule the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025—widely known as the anti-LGBTQ bill—for consideration by the House.
The directive follows the Speaker’s determination that the bill complies with all constitutional and procedural requirements.
The announcement was made on the floor of Parliament on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. Speaker Bagbin explained that his directive aligns with Standing Order 187(2), which requires the Speaker to communicate an opinion on whether a private member’s bill meets the provisions of Article 108 of the 1992 Constitution.
“I therefore direct that the bill be scheduled by the Business Committee to be presented to the House for consideration,” Bagbin stated. He added: “On the introduction of a private member’s bill, the Speaker shall communicate to the House an opinion on whether the bill complies with Article 108 of the Constitution.”
The bill, originally introduced as the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2021, was passed by the Eighth Parliament on February 28, 2024. However, it did not receive presidential assent and consequently lapsed upon the dissolution of that Parliament.
“It was, however, not assented to by the President and therefore lapsed upon the dissolution of the Eighth Parliament,” the Speaker noted.
Following the inauguration of the Ninth Parliament, Speaker Bagbin referred the legislation to the Office of the Attorney-General and the Ministry of Justice on January 28, 2025, for review. The Attorney-General’s Office submitted its observations on April 7, 2025, which were then forwarded to the bill’s sponsors.
The anti-LGBTQ bill seeks to criminalize same-sex activities, advocacy, and related behaviors, promoting what proponents describe as traditional family values. It has sparked intense debate in Ghana, with supporters arguing it protects cultural norms and opponents warning of potential human rights violations and international backlash.
The scheduling directive paves the way for the bill’s reintroduction and potential debate in the current Parliament, amid ongoing discussions on Ghana’s human rights landscape and constitutional freedoms.
Key Provisions of Ghana’s Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill (Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill)
The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025 (commonly referred to as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill) is a private member’s bill that seeks to criminalize a wide range of activities and expressions related to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other non-heterosexual or non-cisgender identities. While the bill is currently being scheduled for consideration in Parliament following Speaker Alban Bagbin’s February 10, 2026, directive, its core provisions—largely carried over from the 2021 version—include the following key elements based on summaries from reliable sources (including parliamentary records, human rights reports, and legal analyses):
- Criminalization of Same-Sex Sexual Activity
- Up to 3 years imprisonment for individuals engaging in same-sex intercourse or sexual acts.
- Criminalization of “Promotion,” Advocacy, or Support
- 6 to 10 years imprisonment for anyone who produces, procures, distributes, or promotes material deemed to promote LGBT+ activities or identities.
- Penalties for “willful promotion, sponsorship, or support” of LGBTQ+ rights or activities, including advocacy, education, or public discussion.
- Criminalization of Identity and Expression
- Prison terms for individuals who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, transgender, nonbinary, queer, or other non-heterosexual/non-cisgender identities.
- Bans on seeking or providing gender-affirming care or hormone therapy.
- Prohibition on “public show of romantic relations” between people of the same sex (up to 6 months to 1 year imprisonment in some drafts).
- Mandatory Promotion of “Proper” Values
- Requires citizens, institutions, media, schools, and religious bodies to “promote and protect proper human sexual rights and Ghanaian family values,” effectively mandating anti-LGBT+ messaging and reporting.
- Dissolution of LGBT+ Groups and Organizations
- Immediate dissolution of existing LGBTQ+ organizations, groups, or support networks.
- Prohibition on the formation of new such entities.
- Broader Enforcement and Scope
- Expands criminal liability to allies, friends, family members, or anyone who does not report suspected LGBT+ activity or identity.
- Targets media, NGOs, health providers, and educational institutions that provide information, services, or support related to LGBT+ issues.
The bill builds on existing colonial-era laws (e.g., Section 104 of the Criminal Offences Act, which already criminalizes “unnatural carnal knowledge” with up to 3 years’ imprisonment) but significantly widens the scope to criminalize identity, advocacy, association, and even discussion. It has been criticized by human rights organizations for violating constitutional guarantees of equality, non-discrimination, freedom of expression, assembly, and privacy, as well as international human rights standards.
The legislation lapsed after failing to receive presidential assent in 2024 but is now being reintroduced following Speaker Bagbin’s procedural clearance.
Ghana News
Ex-President Akufo-Addo and President Mahama Exchange Pleasantries on Easter
Kwahu, Ghana – Former President Nana Akufo-Addo paid a courtesy call on President John Dramani Mahama on Holy Saturday, April 4, 2026, while both leaders were in the Kwahu enclave for the annual Easter celebrations.
The meeting took place as President Mahama participated in activities linked to the Kwahu Business Forum, a major event held alongside the Easter festivities.
Akufo-Addo, who has maintained a nearly two-decade tradition of spending Easter in Kwahu, described the visit as a cordial engagement during the sacred period.
In a Facebook post, the former president wrote: “On the Holy Saturday of Easter, while in Kwahu where for almost two decades I have consecutively visited during the sacred period of Easter, I called on the President of the Republic, H. E. John Dramani Mahama who is also in Kwahu.”
The encounter highlights a moment of peaceful political civility between the current and immediate past leaders of Ghana amid the festive season. No further details about the substance of their discussion were made public.
The visit comes at a time when both leaders are actively involved in national and regional development conversations, with Mahama using the Kwahu platform to engage stakeholders on economic matters.
Ghana News
Mahama Calls Christ’s Birthplace an ‘Epicentre of War’, New Airport Concourse Planned and Other Big Stories in Ghana Today
We have curated the most relevant and impactful stories from Ghana to keep you informed.
‘It’s Painful Christ’s Birthplace Now an Epicentre of War’ – President Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has described the ongoing violence in the Middle East as a “painful irony,” noting that the birthplace of Christianity and the land where Christ preached love, forgiveness, and peace has become a major centre of conflict. In his Easter message delivered at Black Star Square on April 3, 2026, Mahama said the suffering in the Holy Land cannot be ignored during the season of Easter. He extended Ghana’s thoughts and prayers to the people of Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Iran, and the wider Middle East region, urging world leaders to embrace restraint, dialogue, and respect for human dignity.
Read the full story here
Gov’t to Construct New Concourse at Accra International Airport to Ease Congestion
The Ghana Airports Company Limited will begin construction this month on an ultra-modern concourse linking Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 at Kotoka International Airport. The project aims to eliminate current operational bottlenecks, enable seamless passenger transfers, and significantly improve hub efficiency. Key features include five additional passenger boarding bridges, five passenger holding areas, bi-directional travelators, new escalators and elevators, a VIP lounge, four business lounges, and four retail and duty-free pods. The expansion forms part of a broader modernisation drive to provide world-class facilities and strengthen Ghana’s position as a competitive aviation hub in West Africa.
Read the full story here
Gov’t Procures Over 24,000 Medical Equipment to Support Free Primary Healthcare Rollout
The Ghanaian government has acquired 24,534 pieces of medical equipment to strengthen health facilities ahead of the nationwide rollout of its free primary healthcare policy. The consignment, inspected by Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, includes baby incubators, radiant warmers, oxygen concentrators, X-ray machines, ultrasound devices, laboratory analysers, vital signs monitors, glucometers, patient monitors, infusion devices, delivery beds, and hospital beds. The equipment will be distributed across government hospitals to improve diagnostics, newborn care, and overall service delivery at the primary level.
Read the full story here
Ghana to Manufacture First Vaccine with Support from Indonesia
Ghana is set to begin local production of its first vaccine with technical and partnership support from the Indonesian government. Honorary Consul of Indonesia to Ghana, Paskal A B Rois, confirmed that a high-level delegation from Ghana’s National Vaccine Institute, Food and Drugs Authority, and GIZ visited Indonesia late last year to finalise arrangements. Once operational, Ghana will become the third African country — after Senegal and South Africa — to manufacture vaccines domestically. The initiative is expected to enhance the country’s health security and reduce dependence on imported vaccines.
Read the full story here
No Business Thrives Without Trust in Justice System — Chief Justice
Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie has emphasised that trust in the judicial system is essential for business growth and investor confidence in Ghana. Speaking at the Kwahu Business Forum on April 4, 2026, he stated that contracts must be honoured, property protected, and disputes resolved fairly and predictably for any economy to flourish. The Chief Justice announced that the judiciary is repositioning itself to become an active partner in creating a business-friendly environment anchored in the rule of law. He warned that delays and uncertainty in the justice system carry real economic costs by discouraging investment.
Read the full story here
Ghana News
Ghana President Convenes Emergency Cabinet Meeting to Cushion Ghanaians from Soaring Fuel Prices
President John Dramani Mahama has convened an emergency cabinet meeting to address the sharp rise in fuel prices caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, particularly the escalation involving Iran.
Speaking on Saturday, April 4, 2026, during the second day of the Kwahu Business Forum, President Mahama stated that the meeting will focus on practical interventions to ease the burden on citizens.
He specifically mentioned the possibility of adjustments in fuel margins and other components of the price build-up to help keep prices relatively stable while hoping for de-escalation of the conflict.
“I have called for this emergency cabinet meeting to decide on specific measures we can take to cushion petroleum prices,” Mahama said. “There are adjustments we can make, particularly in the margins, to help maintain relatively stable prices as we pray for the war to cease.”
The President assured Ghanaians that the government remains committed to protecting the economy from external shocks and has taken steps to build resilience.
“I can confidently tell you that the economy will not collapse because of the war in Iran,” he stated.
Mahama also commended transport unions for showing restraint by not immediately increasing lorry fares despite the fuel price surge.
He urged them to continue exercising patience as the government works on relief measures. Fuel prices rose significantly effective April 1, 2026, with petrol increasing to approximately GH¢13.30 per liter (a 15% hike) and diesel to GH¢17.10 per liter (a 19% hike) for the first half of April.
The government is reviewing options including reductions in margins and levies to provide relief to consumers.
This latest development highlights the direct link between global geopolitical tensions and domestic living costs in Ghana, as the government balances immediate relief with longer-term economic stability.
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Ghana News2 days agoGhana President Convenes Emergency Cabinet Meeting to Cushion Ghanaians from Soaring Fuel Prices
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