John Dramani Mahama has indicated that Ghana’s recently passed Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill still faces several legal and procedural hurdles before it can become law.
Speaking at Chatham House in London, the president explained that the legislation, passed by Parliament on May 29, 2026, must undergo constitutional and legal scrutiny before reaching the final stage of presidential assent.
He noted that the bill originated as a private member’s initiative rather than government legislation, meaning it would be carefully reviewed by the Presidency’s legal team and the Attorney General before any decision is taken.
The president also highlighted concerns surrounding the bill’s passage, including questions over whether Parliament met the required quorum and whether proper procedures were followed during the vote.
His comments came after Alban Bagbin reportedly called an emergency meeting of parliamentary leaders to clarify the circumstances surrounding the bill’s approval.
Mahama said he could refer the legislation to the Council of State or return it to Parliament if significant issues are identified.
The bill, which seeks to criminalize same-sex relationships and LGBTQ advocacy, has sparked intense debate in Ghana, with supporters defending its passage while critics, including lawyer Oliver Barker-Vormawor, have questioned its legality and urged the president to withhold assent pending further review.
