Anti-LGBTQ bill heads to Parliament, committee chair pledges fairness, no rights violated, and a clear path to presidential assent.
Chairman of Parliament’s Committee on Constitutional and Legal Affairs, Mahama Shaibu has assured Ghanaians and the international community that the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2026 will be treated on the floor of Parliament in line with the principles of justice, fairness and human dignity. He stressed that no individual rights will be adversely affected. He pointed out that Parliament is aware of Ghana’s international commitments but they are ultimately subject to the Constitution. The committee is meeting with the Attorney-General’s office in camera after two days of deliberation involving stakeholders such as NGOs, think tanks, traditional and religious leaders before submitting its report to plenary. Mr Shaibu expressed confidence that the bill would move with speed and eventually be signed into law by the President. Parliament does not rank bills by priority, he added, but will process it when proceedings resume. The committee members have agreed to move forward. Meanwhile, CHRAJ has voiced worries about the potential funding impact on institutions like the Ghana AIDS Commission and Ghana Health Service, calling for the inclusion of safeguards. Ranking Member Alhassan Tampuli advocated for its passage under a certificate of urgency, while sponsor John Ntim Fordjour called for the establishment of enforcement regulations within 12 months of its passage to guarantee full implementation.
