Majority Chief Whip Rockson Nelson Dafeamekpor has indicated that Ghana’s reintroduced anti LGBTQ bill could be passed by Parliament within days once debate officially begins.
His latest comments have intensified national conversations around the controversial legislation, formally known as the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, which continues to generate strong political, religious, and international attention.
Speaking on the legislative process, Dafeamekpor explained that Parliament is not starting from the beginning because lawmakers had already approved an earlier version of the bill before it failed to receive presidential assent.
According to him, once the committee report is formally adopted, Parliament could immediately proceed to the consideration stage and potentially complete the passage process within a very short period.
“Consideration, we can even decide to do consideration on Friday, and pass,” he stated.
Majority Chief Whip Defends Fast Tracking Process
Dafeamekpor argued that the current bill largely mirrors the previous legislation that Parliament passed in February 2024 before it expired with the dissolution of Parliament ahead of the 2024 general elections.
According to him, lawmakers are already familiar with the substance of the bill, making lengthy deliberations unnecessary.
“You see, the Ghanaian family values bill, we have already passed it,” he said while explaining why the House could move quickly this time around.
The Majority Chief Whip also pushed back against criticisms surrounding the speed of the process, warning political opponents not to complain about urgency after previously supporting the legislation.
His remarks come as Parliament prepares to begin debate on the reintroduced private members’ bill this week.
Bill Continues to Divide Opinion
The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill remains one of the most debated pieces of legislation in Ghana’s recent political history.
The proposed law seeks to strengthen restrictions related to LGBTQ activities and advocacy in Ghana. Earlier versions of the bill proposed penalties for same sex relationships, public promotion of LGBTQ activities, and support for LGBTQ advocacy groups.
Supporters of the bill argue that it protects Ghanaian cultural values, religious beliefs, and family structures. Several religious groups, traditional leaders, and political figures across party lines have publicly endorsed the legislation over the past few years.
However, human rights organizations and international advocacy groups continue to oppose the bill, arguing that it could violate constitutional freedoms and international human rights obligations.
Organizations including Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and the United Nations have previously raised concerns about potential impacts on freedom of expression, association, and minority rights if the bill becomes law.
Economic and Political Concerns Resurface
The renewed push for the bill has also revived discussions about possible economic implications for Ghana.
During earlier debates surrounding the legislation, concerns emerged that international financial support and donor relations could be affected if the bill was enacted. Reports previously suggested Ghana risked losing portions of international funding tied to human rights and governance considerations.
Former President Nana Akufo Addo did not sign the previous version of the bill into law before leaving office, partly due to pending legal challenges and broader concerns surrounding its implications.
The current administration under President John Dramani Mahama has signaled support for the principles behind the legislation, although discussions continue regarding whether it should proceed as a private members’ bill or a government sponsored bill.
National Debate Expected to Intensify
With Parliament now expected to begin active consideration of the bill again, political observers believe national debate around the issue will intensify in the coming days.
The legislation remains highly sensitive because it touches on culture, religion, human rights, politics, and Ghana’s international image simultaneously.
While supporters insist the bill reflects the values of the majority of Ghanaians, critics continue to warn about potential legal, diplomatic, and economic consequences if the legislation is passed and eventually assented to.
For now, all attention remains focused on Parliament as lawmakers prepare for what could become one of the fastest legislative processes involving the controversial bill since it was first introduced.
