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Ghana Mulls Reintroduction of Contentious Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill

  //science-technology.news-articles.net/content/2 .. introduction-of-contentious-anti-lgbtq-bill.html
  Published in Science and Technology on Thursday, February 12th 2026 at 12:10 GMT by Ghanaweb.com
      Locales: GHANA, UNITED KINGDOM

Accra, Ghana - February 12, 2026 - Sam George, Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, has affirmed that Ghana's government is actively considering the reintroduction of a highly contentious bill aimed at criminalizing LGBTQ+ activities. Speaking in an interview with the BBC on Wednesday, February 11th, 2026, George insisted the bill isn't 'dead' but merely paused due to procedural issues, and that robust discussions are currently underway to potentially bring it back before parliament.

The original bill, similar in scope to recently passed legislation in Uganda that has drawn widespread international condemnation, faced significant pushback and was ultimately withdrawn from consideration. However, George maintains that the withdrawal was not indicative of waning public support but rather a result of technicalities within the parliamentary process. He argues that a clear majority of Ghanaians support legislation criminalizing same-sex relationships, framing the issue as one deeply rooted in national morality and religious belief.

"This is a matter of morality for many Ghanaians, it is a matter of faith for many Ghanaians and the attempt to criminalize homosexuality is something that the majority of Ghanaians are in support of," George stated, reflecting a sentiment echoed by a vocal segment of the population. This support, however, is increasingly at odds with a growing movement advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion within the country, as well as international pressure from human rights organizations and Western governments.

The timing of this renewed consideration comes amidst a global backdrop of escalating legislative challenges to LGBTQ+ rights, most notably the recent enactment of stringent anti-LGBTQ+ laws in Uganda. The Ugandan legislation, which includes the death penalty for certain same-sex acts, has triggered a cascade of criticism from international bodies like the United Nations, the African Union, and numerous Western nations, leading to sanctions and reduced aid. Ghana's potential move is being closely watched by these same entities, and a similar response is anticipated should the bill progress.

George, however, dismisses the criticism as stemming from external interference and what he describes as a deliberate misinformation campaign. He alleges that much of the negative publicity surrounding the bill was orchestrated by groups opposed to traditional values and fuelled by foreign actors seeking to undermine Ghana's sovereignty. "A lot of the noise you heard was due to a deliberate misinformation campaign and external interference," he claimed. This narrative is gaining traction within certain segments of Ghanaian society, bolstering support for the bill by framing it as a defense of national culture against external pressures.

The potential reintroduction of the bill raises complex questions about the balance between national sovereignty, cultural values, and human rights. Advocates for LGBTQ+ rights in Ghana fear the legislation would further marginalize an already vulnerable community, leading to increased discrimination, violence, and a chilling effect on open dialogue about sexual orientation and gender identity. They point to the potential economic consequences as well, citing concerns that the bill could jeopardize international aid, investment, and tourism.

Conversely, proponents of the bill argue that it is necessary to protect the country's cultural and religious heritage. They maintain that the criminalization of LGBTQ+ acts is consistent with traditional Ghanaian values and reflects the beliefs of a significant portion of the population. The debate highlights a deep societal divide and underscores the challenges of reconciling evolving global norms with deeply ingrained cultural beliefs.

The Ghanaian government faces a delicate balancing act. While acknowledging the strong domestic demand for legislation reflecting traditional values, it must also weigh the potential repercussions of alienating international partners and risking economic sanctions. Discussions are reportedly ongoing to address concerns raised by international bodies, suggesting a possible attempt to mitigate the harshest aspects of the bill while still satisfying domestic constituents. The outcome remains uncertain, but the coming months will likely be crucial in determining the future of LGBTQ+ rights in Ghana. The parliamentary debate promises to be fierce, and the international community will be watching closely to see how Ghana navigates this sensitive and increasingly polarized issue.