Lead

Ghanaian President John Mahama has said a controversial bill that would further restrict LGBTQ+ rights will undergo legal scrutiny before it can become law, according to reports from Africa News and the BBC.

The legislation, passed by parliament last week, proposes prison sentences of up to three years for people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer, Africa News reported. It also includes provisions requiring individuals to report prohibited activities to authorities, the outlet said.

Speaking during a visit to the United Kingdom, Mahama said the bill would be carefully examined by his legal advisers and the attorney general before any further steps are taken, both outlets reported. The BBC noted his comments came during a question-and-answer session in London on Monday.

Coverage Comparison

Africa News and the BBC both reported on Mahama's statement, with similar framing emphasising the bill's potential impact on LGBTQ+ rights and the legal scrutiny it will undergo. Both outlets quoted Mahama directly: "We will look at it and make sure that everything is in order," he said, adding that if concerns arise, the bill could be referred to the Council of State, an advisory body that assists the president on national matters.

The BBC additionally reported that Mahama cited procedural lapses in the bill's passage, which are being addressed by the Speaker of parliament. Africa News similarly noted that the Speaker was addressing procedural issues.

Neither outlet reported any direct opposition from Mahama to the bill's content; his comments focused on the review process.

Key Claims

  • Legal scrutiny before approval: According to both Africa News and the BBC, President Mahama said the bill would be reviewed by his legal counsel and attorney general because it originated as a private members' bill rather than a government proposal. He said the bill would be referred to the Council of State if problems arise.
  • Proposed prison sentences: Africa News reported that the legislation proposes prison sentences of up to three years for people who identify as LGBTQ+. The BBC described the bill as criminalising LGBTQ+ activities without specifying the sentence.
  • Reporting requirements: Africa News is the sole outlet reporting that the bill includes provisions requiring individuals to report prohibited activities to authorities.
  • Exemptions for professionals: The BBC reported that the current version exempts punishment for legal, healthcare and media professionals who provide services to LGBTQ+ individuals.
  • Criminalisation of 'allies': The BBC reported that anyone who identifies as an 'ally' could face a prison sentence under the bill.
  • Second attempt: Both outlets reported this is the second time such legislation has been passed by MPs. An earlier version was first introduced in 2021 after an LGBTQ+ resources centre was shut down in Accra, and was passed in 2024 but never received presidential assent from then-President Nana Akufo-Addo, who cited pending Supreme Court challenges.
  • Reintroduction this year: Both outlets reported the bill was reintroduced in parliament this year by a cross-party group of MPs.

Perspectives

Government perspective: President Mahama framed the review as a routine legal check, emphasising that the bill was a private members' motion, not a government bill. He also acknowledged procedural lapses in its passage, suggesting a cautious approach.

Parliamentary minority perspective: The BBC quoted minority spokesperson John Ntim Forjour saying the current bill has lost "the force and the bite and the thrust, the deterrence, the efficacy" it had in the 2024 version, indicating some lawmakers believe the amendments have weakened the legislation.

Religious and social context: The BBC noted that Mahama has faced pressure from religious leaders to strengthen anti-gay measures, which ban same-sex relationships under laws dating from the British colonial era. This context suggests the bill's passage is part of a broader societal debate.

LGBTQ+ rights concerns: While neither outlet explicitly quoted LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, the framing of the bill as 'controversial' (Africa News) and 'criminalising' (BBC) reflects concerns about its impact on human rights. The reporting on prison sentences and the criminalisation of allies highlights potential consequences for the community.