Rightify Ghana

Rightify Ghana Condemns Passage of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025 (Anti-LGBTQ Bill), Urges Presidential Rejection

Rightify Ghana strongly condemns the passage of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025 by the Parliament of Ghana. The passage of this bill marks a troubling moment for human rights, constitutional freedoms, public health, and democratic governance in Ghana.

We are deeply disappointed that Parliament has chosen to advance legislation that criminalises identity, expression, association, advocacy, and support for LGBTQI+ persons instead of focusing on the urgent challenges facing Ghanaians, including unemployment, rising living costs, healthcare, education, corruption, and economic recovery. This bill does not solve any of these problems. Rather, it risks deepening stigma, discrimination, fear, and social division.

We respectfully call on President John Dramani Mahama not to assent to this bill. As President of all Ghanaians, he has a constitutional duty to protect the rights, freedoms, dignity, and wellbeing of every citizen. We urge him to carefully consider the serious human rights, public health, legal, diplomatic, and economic consequences that could arise if this bill becomes law.

We further note President John Dramani Mahama's own remarks during the Presidential Dialogue with Civil Society Organisations on March 30, 2026, where he stated that LGBTQ issues are "not the most important issue we face as a nation" and that Ghana is "still grappling with the provisions of basic needs of education, health care, jobs, food, clothing, and shelter." Rightify Ghana agrees with this assessment. At a time when millions of Ghanaians are concerned about economic hardship, unemployment, access to quality healthcare and education, and the rising cost of living, the criminalisation of LGBTQI+ persons does not address the pressing challenges confronting the nation. We therefore urge national leaders to prioritize policies that improve the lives and wellbeing of all Ghanaians rather than legislation that risks increasing fear, division, and discrimination.

We are particularly concerned that the bill may encourage increased violence, family rejection, blackmail, harassment, arbitrary arrests, and vigilante actions against LGBTQI+ persons and those perceived to be LGBTQI+. We therefore call on all Ghanaians to reject hatred and violence and to treat one another with dignity, respect, and compassion. LGBTQI+ persons are Ghanaians. They are our children, siblings, relatives, friends, classmates, colleagues, neighbours, and fellow citizens. No one should face violence, discrimination, or persecution because of who they are.

We also urge the media to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, accuracy, fairness, and ethics in reporting on issues relating to sexual orientation and gender identity. Media platforms must not be used to spread misinformation, incitement, stereotypes, or hostility. Instead, journalists and media houses should promote informed public discourse that respects human dignity, human rights, and the principles of democratic debate.

Rightify Ghana remains committed to advancing human rights, equality, public health, and justice for all. We will continue to work with civil society, community members, allies, and partners to promote a Ghana where every person can live free from fear, violence, discrimination, and exclusion.

Issued by Rightify Ghana

30th May 2026

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