Accra, Ghana – June 3, 2026 – The path for Ghana’s Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly known as the anti-LGBTQ Bill, to become law faces potential procedural complications following its passage by Parliament on May 29, 2026. Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has called for a review of the circumstances surrounding the bill’s approval, while former Abuakwa South MP, Samuel Atta Akyea, argues that reversing the decision is a significant procedural challenge now that the bill has been passed.
Procedural Stalemate Over Bill’s Passage
The controversy stems from Speaker Bagbin’s request to examine the process leading to the bill’s adoption. He has indicated that the bill should not be transmitted for presidential assent until these concerns are addressed.
However, Mr. Atta Akyea, speaking on Citi FM on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, expressed skepticism about the feasibility of overturning a bill that has already completed its parliamentary journey.
“I believe it is water under the bridge because if it’s been passed, he was not there physically. But the First Deputy Speaker presided over affairs and then handed down the gavel; that is the end of the matter. The Bill is duly passed,” Mr. Atta Akyea stated.
He further noted that the legislative process was concluded under the stewardship of the First Deputy Speaker, suggesting that the matter is legally settled from a parliamentary standpoint.
Legal and Procedural Questions Arise
Mr. Atta Akyea questioned the mechanisms available to the Speaker to reopen a matter that has reached its legislative conclusion. He suggested that any attempt to reverse the bill’s passage would be a “tall order.”
“I wonder how the Speaker is going to use any of the rules to reverse what has been concluded. Maybe he has more superior thinking of the matter than myself but it is a very tall order,” he added.
The former lawmaker emphasized that the bill’s next logical step is presidential assent, a stage that signifies the completion of its parliamentary proceedings.
Background of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill
The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill has been a subject of intense debate in Ghana. Proponents argue it is essential for upholding traditional family values and societal norms.
Conversely, human rights organizations and international bodies have raised concerns about its potential to criminalize LGBTQ+ individuals, leading to discrimination and human rights violations.
The bill was passed by Parliament on May 29, 2026, following extensive deliberations and public discourse.
Implications for Ghana’s Legislative Process
The current situation highlights potential tensions between parliamentary oversight and the finality of legislative decisions. The Speaker’s intervention raises questions about the checks and balances within Ghana’s parliamentary system.
If the bill’s passage is indeed reversible, it could set a precedent for future legislation, potentially allowing for greater scrutiny or reopening of debates on contentious issues.
Conversely, if Mr. Atta Akyea’s view prevails, the bill will proceed to the President, and any subsequent challenges would likely need to be addressed through legal or constitutional means outside of Parliament.
What to Watch Next
All eyes are now on Speaker Bagbin and the parliamentary leadership to see how they navigate this procedural challenge. The outcome will significantly impact the future of the anti-LGBTQ Bill and could influence the dynamics of legislative review and presidential assent in Ghana.
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