Ghanaian Parliament debates Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill

The Minority in Ghana's Parliament is urging President John Dramani Mahama to assent to the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, without amendments. Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin stated that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) previously supported the legislation while in opposition and called for consistency, arguing that any late amendments or delays to water down the bill would be unacceptable.

In response, Majority Leader James Agalga rejected claims that the President has shifted his position on the controversial legislation. Agalga explained that the bill's transmission to the Presidency has been delayed due to technical errors discovered after its third reading. These inconsistencies include errors in computing penalty units and provisions that do not align with existing laws.

To resolve these defects, Parliament may need to rescind its third-reading decision to allow for a second consideration and correction of penalties. This process aims to ensure the bill is legally sound for future court implementation. The legislative process has faced significant scrutiny, including involvement from Speaker Alban Bagbin, who has called for consensus on the bill's passage and implementation.