The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, has disclosed that the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, widely known as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, is currently before Parliament’s Constitutional and Legal Committee for consideration.
He indicated that the committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday, April 23, to deliberate on the proposed legislation.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Monday, April 20, 2026, Mr Ibrahim explained that the bill is progressing through the required parliamentary processes, stressing that it is a private members’ bill rather than an executive initiative.
His remarks come amid renewed public debate over the bill, with some clergy groups reportedly planning demonstrations over delays in its passage and presidential assent.
Providing insight into the bill’s passage in Parliament, Mr Ibrahim recounted events during the approval stage, noting that members from both sides of the House were involved in the process.
“When it was time for the LGBTQ+ Bill to be passed, we were made up of four NDC MPs and four NPP MPs. But when we got to the venue, three of the NPP MPs ran away, leaving only one. So, we had to bring in an additional three NDC MPs to join us before the bill was passed,” he said.
He argued that attempts to politicise the bill would not succeed, insisting that the process has moved beyond partisan control.
“So, if a political party is saying that today they will take a political opportunity, that opportunity is gone,” he stated.
Mr Ibrahim also cautioned against drawing President John Dramani Mahama into the controversy, emphasising that the executive did not introduce the bill.
“Let nobody bring the President in. It was we who introduced the bill. I can give you the long history of it. I am following the bill closely. I went to the President on the matter, and I went to the Speaker on it, and I know where we are with the bill,” he said.
He added that he remains actively engaged on the issue, including consultations with religious leaders, and is well informed on the bill’s current status.
“When it comes to where we are, the Constitutional and Legal Committee is meeting on it on April 23. I know every stage and every process. It was not an executive bill; it is a private members’ bill. Therefore, the President was right. If you listen to his speech carefully, you will appreciate him for that,” he added.
