Akwatia MP Dismisses Quorum Concerns, Says Anti‑LGBTQ Bill Passage Was Procedurally Sound
The Member of Parliament for Akwatia, Bernard Bediako, has rejected concerns raised by the Minority over quorum during the passage of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, insisting that no objections were raised when Parliament considered and approved the legislation.
Parliament passed the controversial bill—popularly known as the anti‑gay bill—on Friday, May 30, introducing criminal sanctions for LGBTQ‑related activities while exempting certain professionals, including lawyers, journalists and medical practitioners, from penalties when acting within their official duties.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Big Issue with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Saturday, May 30, Mr. Bediako argued that parliamentary procedure presumes the presence of a quorum unless a member formally challenges it.
He maintained that key Minority figures were present during the proceedings but did not raise any procedural objections.
“Quorum is always presumed. If you believe there are issues of quorum, you raise it. If you don’t raise it, it’s presumed to be regular. None of them raised it in the House. My respected Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo‑Markin, was there, and Rev. Ntim Fordjour, MP for Assin South, were all there; they didn’t raise it. So we proceeded,” he said.
The debate over quorum follows claims by some lawmakers that fewer than the required number of MPs were present when the bill was passed—an issue that has reignited discussion over the legality of the legislative process.
Supporters of the bill insist Parliament acted within its rules and that no procedural challenge was raised at the time.
Background
The anti‑LGBTQ+ bill is one of the most contentious pieces of legislation in Ghana’s recent history. First introduced in 2021 as a private members’ bill led by Ningo‑Prampram MP Sam George and co‑sponsored by MPs from both sides of the House, the bill sought to strengthen existing laws against same‑sex relations and prohibit LGBTQ+ advocacy, funding and public expression.
Before its introduction, Ghana already criminalised same‑sex relations under Section 104 of the Criminal Offences Act, which outlaws “unnatural carnal knowledge.” Supporters of the new bill argued that the existing law did not adequately address advocacy, public campaigns or organisational support for LGBTQ+ activities.
The bill attracted strong backing from religious bodies, traditional authorities and conservative groups, who framed it as essential to protecting Ghanaian cultural and family values. Conversely, human rights organisations, legal experts, civil society groups and several international bodies criticised the bill as unconstitutional and harmful to Ghana’s global reputation.
Concerns also emerged that the legislation could affect Ghana’s relations with development partners, with some analysts warning of potential implications for aid, investment and international cooperation.
After years of committee reviews, stakeholder consultations and legal challenges—including a delay in presidential assent in 2024—the bill was reconsidered and amended before being passed again on Friday, May 29, 2026.
— Citi Newsroom