The Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin South, Rev. Ntim Fordjour, has indicated that Parliament could take less than three months to give a final verdict on the controversial Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill (anti-LBGTQ+).
He explained that the current bill before Parliament will not go through extensive consultations and debates, as those processes have already been completed. According to him, the upcoming discussions will resume from where the previous deliberations ended. He made this known while speaking to the media on Wednesday, October 22.
“Within 3 months to 6 months, we should be able to pass this bill. We’ve had bills more complex than this, which even came under a certificate of urgency. So, I don’t see why this should go beyond three months,” Rev. Fordjour said.
The bill was presented to then President Nana Akufo-Addo, who was expected to sign it into law or refuse to assent to it within seven days.
Initially tabled in 2021, the bill stalled following legal challenges at the Supreme Court questioning its constitutionality. Despite the pending case, the sponsors say reintroducing the motion ensures the process remains active.
The bill has been criticized by rights organizations and other groups. Nonetheless, A coalition of ten Members of Parliament from both sides of the House has revived the contentious Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill, reopening one of Ghana’s most polarising national discussions.
In a post shared on X by journalist Kwaku Asante on October 21, 2025, the group, co-led by Ningo-Prampram MP Sam George (NDC) and Assin South MP John Ntim Fordjour, announced the return of the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, 2021.
The proposed legislation criminalizes LGBTQ+ activities, advocacy, and funding, prescribing a maximum three-year jail term for same-sex acts and up to ten years for promoting or supporting such activities.
The coalition members John Ntim Fordjour, Samuel Nartey George, Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzra, Helen Adjoa Ntoso, Nurideen Muhammed Mummuni, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, Alhassan Tampuli Sulemana, Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, Dr Tiah Abdul Kabiru Mahama, and Anthony Mmieh argue that the bill is intended to preserve Ghana’s cultural identity and protect family values.
International bodies, including the United Nations and human rights organizations, have strongly criticized the bill, describing it as an infringement on human rights.
The move marks an uncommon show of bipartisan unity in Parliament. Lawmakers are expected to engage in intense debates in the coming weeks as the Speaker refers the bill to the appropriate committee.
Faith-based groups continue to throw their weight behind the legislation, while civil society organizations and rights advocates are mobilizing fresh opposition.
Ten Members of Parliament have once again brought before the House the divisive Anti-LBGTQ+ Bill, reigniting heated national discussions over sexuality and cultural values.
A post by Kwaku Asante on X on October 21, 2025, revealed that the coalition led by Ningo-Prampram MP Sam George and Assin South MP John Ntim Fordjour had reintroduced the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, 2021.
The proposed law seeks to outlaw LGBTQ+ practices and related advocacy or financing. Offenders could face up to three years in prison for engaging in same-sex acts and up to ten years for promoting or funding such activities.
According to the document shared online, members of the coalition include John Ntim Fordjour, Samuel Nartey George, Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzra, Helen Adjoa Ntoso, Nurideen Muhammed Mummuni, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, Alhassan Tampuli Sulemana, Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, Dr Tiah Abdul Kabiru Mahama, and Anthony Mmieh.
They argue that the legislation is essential to upholding Ghana’s moral and cultural heritage. The bill, first introduced in 2021, was stalled earlier this year due to court injunctions challenging its legality. Despite the pending court decision, the sponsors insist the new motion keeps the debate alive.
The reintroduction reflects a rare bipartisan alignment in Parliament, as both NDC and NPP MPs rally behind it. The Speaker is expected to forward the bill to the appropriate committee for further scrutiny, as Parliament braces for passionate exchanges.
Two female legislators, Deputy Minority Leader Patricia Appiagyei and Minister of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry Elizabeth Ofosu Adjare, are introducing the Property Rights of Spouses Bill.
Last year, the United States Department spokesperson Matthew Miller indicated that the US government will restrict foreign aid to Ghana if the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, also known as the anti-LGBT Bill, is signed into law.
Engaging the press, Mr Miller said, “If this bill becomes law, it will only have a chilling effect on investment. For instance, in Ghana, you’ve seen that same chilling effect bear fruit in Uganda, which passed a very similar law in the past. I can say that should the bill pass, it would potentially have ramifications for US assistance in the country.”
He noted that both governments have had intensive conversations on the matter, which were done behind closed doors.
The US provided over $211 million in assistance to Ghana in fiscal year 2022, supporting various sectors including agriculture, malaria prevention, and AIDS combat efforts.
The United States has expressed deep concern over the passage of the stringent anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in Ghana, stating that it threatens constitutional freedoms.
