LGBTQ+ Bill: Afenyo-Markin Tells Mahama Not To Accept Watered-Down Version

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has urged President John Dramani Mahama to ensure that the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, retains its original intent, warning against amendments that could weaken its provisions.

Speaking at a parliamentary leaders’ media briefing on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, Mr Afenyo-Markin called for consistency in the government’s position on the controversial legislation, arguing that the National Democratic Congress supported the earlier version while in opposition.

He said the Minority wanted the bill presented for presidential assent to reflect the same legislation the NDC had previously urged former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to sign.

Mr Afenyo-Markin cautioned against last-minute changes, insisting that lawmakers should vote on the actual text of the bill. He also said any provisions concerning citizens’ rights must be drafted precisely and in accordance with Ghana’s 1992 Constitution.

His comments come amid renewed debate over amendments to the bill, particularly provisions that supporters of the revisions say are intended to protect constitutional rights, including legal representation, media reporting and academic research.

The Majority has maintained that the changes do not weaken the bill’s central objectives, while the Minority argues that the revisions risk diluting the legislation.

The controversy is expected to remain a major issue as Parliament resumes its work and lawmakers debate the bill’s provisions.