President John Dramani Mahama has expressed that the recently enacted Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, commonly referred to as the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill, still requires considerable progress before it can be enacted into law.
During a question-and-answer session at Chatham House in the UK on Monday, June 1, President Mahama stated that several procedural and legal matters pertaining to the bill must be resolved before any decision can be made regarding presidential assent.
The President acknowledged that the legislation has garnered significant public interest due to its implications for family values and social policy in Ghana.
“The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill has likely been the bill that has attracted the most interest in Ghana. It underscores the importance of family values,” he remarked.
He noted that concerns have arisen regarding the manner in which the bill was passed by Parliament.
He highlighted issues such as whether there was a quorum at the time of its passage and allegations of procedural irregularities during the legislative process.
“There have been a few issues raised. Firstly, the lack of a quorum when it was passed. That’s an issue that has emerged, and secondly, there were some procedural lapses concerning its passage,” he stated.
Mahama disclosed that he had been informed that the Speaker of Parliament was addressing concerns regarding the process by which the bill was approved.
He explained that once the bill is officially transmitted to the Presidency, it will undergo a comprehensive legal review before any decision is made.
The President stated that the Attorney General and legal advisers at the Presidency would examine the legislation, as it originated as a private member’s bill rather than a government-sponsored bill.
“It must be presented for assent, and once the president receives it, a thorough review is conducted, as the presidency was not part of the parliamentary discussions. The legal counsel at the Presidency and the Attorney General will examine it to ensure everything is in order before advising the president on assent,” he explained.
Mahama also outlined additional constitutional options available to the President, including referring the bill to the Council of State for advice if concerns arise.
He clarified that if significant issues are identified, the President could return the bill to Parliament and specify the concerns that need to be addressed.
“The president has another option. If there are concerns, he can refer it to the Council of State for advice. If substantial issues are raised, the president may return the bill to Parliament, indicating the specific issues,” he said.
He concluded by emphasizing that the legislative process is not yet complete.
“So there is still considerable progress required before the bill becomes law,” he added.
These remarks follow the recent passage of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, by Parliament, following amendments to the legislation.
Meanwhile, Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has convened a meeting with the leadership of the House regarding the bill’s passage, emphasizing the need to build consensus around the legislation to ensure wider public acceptance.
Bagbin also expressed surprise at the manner in which the bill was passed on Friday, amidst concerns raised by some lawmakers regarding procedural issues related to the approval process.
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