Damongo Member of Parliament (MP) Samuel Abu Jinapor has sharply criticized the current government’s handling of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, accusing them of significantly weakening the legislation through amendments. Jinapor, speaking amid a resurging national debate, urged President John Dramani Mahama to assent to the original bill passed by Parliament in 2024, alleging that the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) has reneged on its earlier commitment to uphold the bill in its initial form.
Background of the Bill’s Passage
The anti-LGBTQ bill, initially passed by the 8th Parliament in 2024, faced hurdles in receiving presidential assent due to ongoing legal challenges at the Supreme Court. At the time, the NDC had publicly expressed its intention to support and enact the bill should they assume government office. However, following the reintroduction of the bill in 2025, Jinapor claims the governing majority chose not to preserve the original text.
Amendments Altering the Bill’s Core
Instead of re-passing the bill verbatim, Parliament approved as many as 31 amendments before passing a revised version on May 29, 2026. Jinapor argues that these amendments have fundamentally changed the bill’s character and diminished its effectiveness. “What has emerged is markedly different from the legislation passed in 2024,” he stated, emphasizing that the core objective of prohibiting LGBTQ activities and advocacy has been undermined.
A key point of contention for Jinapor lies in the changes made to provisions concerning the promotion and advocacy of LGBTQ activities. He highlighted exemptions introduced in the amended bill that could allow a broad range of entities, including government institutions, NGOs, development partners, and academic bodies involved in health programs, to continue such activities under the guise of public health initiatives.
Furthermore, Jinapor criticized the inclusion of a clause stating that the Act should not impede the lawful duties or functions of any institution. He believes this provision could offer legal protection for organizations whose activities might otherwise be considered violations of the legislation. These changes, he asserts, directly contradict the bill’s aim to uphold what many Ghanaians perceive as traditional family values.
Concerns Over Political Stance
Jinapor also referenced past statements allegedly made by Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga during parliamentary proceedings, suggesting a more lenient approach towards certain LGBTQ-related advocacy. He views these developments as corroborating concerns that the amended bill no longer reflects the original legislative intent.
The Damongo MP maintains that the most straightforward and appropriate course of action is for the government to facilitate the passage and presidential assent of the original 2024 bill without any modifications. “The government should assent to the 2024 bill as passed, or reintroduce and pass the same bill verbatim for assent by the President,” he declared. “It is as simple as that.”
Broader Societal and Political Context
The anti-LGBTQ bill remains a deeply divisive issue within Ghana’s political and social landscape, eliciting strong reactions from religious bodies, traditional leaders, civil society organizations, human rights advocates, and international partners. Supporters advocate for the bill as a means to protect Ghanaian cultural and family values, while critics raise significant constitutional and human rights concerns.
President Mahama has recently acknowledged the substantial work required to finalize the bill, including further consultations and a potential referral to the Council of State for advice before his assent.
Looking Ahead
The focus now shifts to how the government will navigate these criticisms and the path forward for the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill. Observers will be watching closely to see if President Mahama will indeed consider Jinapor’s call to revert to the original 2024 text or if the current amended version will proceed through the final stages of legislative approval. The ongoing debate highlights the delicate balance Ghana seeks to strike between cultural norms, human rights, and international expectations.
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