The Member of Parliament for Akwatia, Bernard Bediako, has expressed confidence that President John Dramani Mahama will assent to the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, despite the possibility of fresh legal challenges against the legislation.
The bill, commonly referred to as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, was passed by Parliament on Friday, May 29, and is currently awaiting presidential assent after the completion of the necessary parliamentary procedures.
Speaking on the development, Mr. Bediako stated that he believes President Mahama will act decisively once the bill is formally presented to him.
“He will not play games with the people of Ghana. 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,” he said.
According to the Akwatia legislator, the passage of the bill presents an opportunity for President Mahama to accomplish what former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo was unable to do before leaving office.
“For me, we’ve come far. Now it’s a test case for President Mahama. What former President Akufo-Addo could not do, it is expected that President Mahama will do. He has assured us,” he stated.
Mr. Bediako also explained that the bill would undergo final technical and drafting reviews before being submitted to the President for consideration.
“Let me put on record that it is now going to be fine-tuned. That is what happens. I mean, do the proper drafting before it’s presented to the President,” he added.
Background to the Bill
The legislation, formally known as the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, has been one of the most debated and controversial pieces of legislation in Ghana’s recent history.
The bill was originally introduced in June 2021 by a bipartisan group of Members of Parliament led by Ningo-Prampram MP Samuel Nartey George. It seeks to criminalise same-sex sexual relations, LGBTQ+ advocacy, funding and related activities.
Following its first reading in Parliament in August 2021, the bill was referred to the Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee for detailed scrutiny.
Between 2021 and 2022, the committee conducted extensive public consultations involving religious organisations, traditional authorities, legal practitioners, civil society groups, academics and human rights advocates.
The consultations generated significant public interest and debate across the country.
Supporters of the legislation argue that it is necessary to preserve Ghanaian cultural values, family structures and societal norms. Opponents, however, contend that the bill infringes on constitutional rights and freedoms, and raises concerns regarding discrimination, human rights protections and Ghana’s international obligations.
The version recently passed by Parliament includes several amendments, including exemptions for lawyers providing legal services, journalists reporting on LGBTQ+ issues, and healthcare professionals offering medical and psychological support to affected individuals.
With parliamentary approval secured, attention has now shifted to the Presidency, where President Mahama’s decision on whether to sign the bill into law is expected to shape the next phase of the national debate.
