Ghana’s legislative process on the controversial anti-LGBTQ+ bill is entering a new phase, as the Parliament of Ghana prepares to begin public hearings to reassess the proposed law.
The hearings, led by the Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee, will gather input from a wide range of stakeholders, including civil society groups, legal professionals, religious organisations, and ordinary citizens.
This renewed consultation comes after the bill, initially passed two years ago, stalled when former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo withheld his assent, citing pending legal challenges.
At the centre of the debate is proposed legislation that prescribes prison terms for individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ as well as for those who support or advocate for related causes—provisions that have sparked both strong domestic backing and sharp international criticism.
While supporters argue the bill reflects prevailing cultural and social values, critics, including human rights organisations, have labelled it excessive and raised concerns about its implications for civil liberties.
Parliamentary officials say the public hearings are intended to ensure a more inclusive and transparent review process, allowing divergent views to shape the Committee’s final recommendations.
The outcome of the consultations is expected to play a decisive role in determining whether the bill is revised, maintained, or reconsidered as national discussions continue.
