Minority demands passage of original 2024 anti-LGBTQ+ bill, accuses NDC of deception 

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Minority Caucus in Parliament has called for the passage of the original 2024 version of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, insisting that the latest amended version deviates significantly from its initial intent.

The bill, commonly referred to as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, was passed again by Parliament on May 29, 2026, after the earlier version failed to receive presidential assent.

Ahead of the most recent passage, lawmakers introduced several amendments, including exemptions covering legal representation, parliamentary and court proceedings, academic and scientific work, public health services, counselling, journalism, and HIV and AIDS-related programmes.

However, in a statement issued on Thursday, June 4, and signed by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the caucus accused the National Democratic Congress (NDC) of shifting its stance on the legislation and undermining the original intent of the bill.

"It is both strange and hypocritical for the NDC to have demanded immediate presidential assent to the 2024 Bill, only to return to Parliament and substantially rewrite that same Bill upon assuming office," the statement read in part.

The Minority reaffirmed its rejection of LGBTQ+ practices, insisting its position reflects the values of the Ghanaian public.

“The NPP unequivocally rejects the normalisation, promotion or protection of LGBTQ+ values and practices within Ghanaian society,” it stated.

According to the Minority, the numerous amendments introduced in the 2026 version have fundamentally altered the legislation and weakened its original purpose.

"These extensive amendments betray principle, expose the political insincerity of the NDC’s earlier posture, and affirms that the NDC cannot be trusted," the caucus noted.

The Minority stressed that the original 2024 bill should be the basis for final approval and transmission for presidential assent, describing it as the true reflection of public sentiment.

Meanwhile, the Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, who was absent on the day of approval, has appealed to the House to reconsider the bill.

On his part, President John Dramani Mahama has raised concerns over what he deems as procedural lapses that must be corrected before any final decision.