Award-winning Ghanaian journalist, Ebenezer Madugu, has called for the withdrawal of the controversial Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill, citing what he describes as its “discriminatory and emotional” foundation and questioning the government’s delay in passing it into law.
Speaking on Atinka TV’s Ghana Nie programme hosted by Ama Gyenfa Ofosu Darkwa, Madugu – recipient of the prestigious GJA-Akoto Ampaw Award for Democracy and Good Governance—argued that recent developments surrounding the bill validate concerns raised since its introduction in Parliament.
Background of the Bill
The Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, widely referred to as the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill, was first introduced in Ghana’s Parliament in 2021. It sought to criminalise LGBTQ+ activities and advocacy, sparking intense national debate and drawing criticism from international human rights organisations.
In 2024, Parliament passed the bill after prolonged deliberations. However, former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo declined to assent to it, citing pending legal challenges and constitutional concerns. The bill was subsequently taken to the Supreme Court, with activists, including Richard Delay Sky, mounting legal opposition.
Madugu’s Critique
Madugu stated that the current administration’s apparent hesitation to advance the bill signals deeper flaws in its construction.
“The behaviour of this government clearly states that the law must be re-examined. It justifies why Nana Addo refused to sign it despite Parliament passing it,”- he said.
He commended Richard Sky for what he described as “bold steps” in challenging the legislation in court, noting that such actions have helped expose critical issues within the bill. According to Madugu, the inability of the present Parliament to expedite the bill—despite successfully passing other legislation—raises questions about its relevance and urgency.
Madugu further criticised lawmakers who supported the bill in the previous Parliament but have not pushed for its reconsideration.
“If the MPs who passed the law are not recommending the same bill to be reviewed again, then it is clear they did emotional work,” – he asserted.
He warned that the President must exercise caution in handling the bill, urging transparency in communicating any proposed revisions to the Ghanaian public.
Call for Withdrawal
In a strong appeal, Madugu described the bill as “irrelevant” to Ghana’s development and called for its complete withdrawal. He pointed to Parliament’s passage of other significant legislation – such as the proposed 24-hour economy policy framework and development-oriented bills – as evidence that national priorities lie elsewhere.
“Just explain to Ghanaians that the bill is irrelevant and take it out,” – he urged.
National Debate Continues
The Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill remains one of the most polarising issues in Ghana’s recent legislative history, sitting at the intersection of cultural values, human rights, and constitutional law. While supporters argue it protects Ghanaian traditions, critics warn it undermines fundamental freedoms.
As legal challenges persist and political consensus remains elusive, Madugu’s remarks are likely to reignite debate over the bill’s future – and whether it should be revised, passed, or abandoned altogether.
