Ghana's Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill delay seen as opportunity for legislative review
via GhanaWeb2 min read
Shaibu Mahama, Chairman of Parliament’s Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee, described former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s decision not to assent to the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2021, also known as the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill, as a “blessing in disguise.” In a video shared by Channel One TV on April 23, 2026, Mahama suggested that the delay allows lawmakers to revisit and strengthen the proposed legislation. He stated that the time elapsed since the bill's introduction has led to deeper reflections and a broader understanding of its implications, noting that "many things have changed." Mahama explained that Parliament now has the chance to address gaps overlooked in earlier deliberations, particularly before the previous Parliament lapsed. He emphasized the opportunity to incorporate, delete, amend, and reshape the bill, assuring that ongoing reviews would consider the rights of all individuals to avoid infringing on constitutional freedoms. Lawmakers will also examine existing legislation to create a more comprehensive and legally sound framework. Discussions on the bill have resumed, indicating a renewed effort to refine and potentially reintroduce it in Parliament.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by GhanaWeb.
Nana Gyan Aka VI, Chief of Salma in the Ellembelle District, has publicly supported the government's decision to permanently revoke the mining leases of Adamus Resources Limited. Speaking at a press conference on July 22, 2026, Nana Gyan Aka VI refuted claims that Salma youth back Adamus, stating the community wants the company to leave due to alleged illegal activities and lack of development. He identified individuals defending Adamus in a publication as imposters. The government revoked Adamus's leases in May 2026 over allegations of transferring concessions to Chinese nationals involved in illegal mining. While Adamus's CEO, Angela List, petitioned for reconsideration, an independent committee is reviewing the matter, and an Interim Management Committee is supervising operations. The President of the Eastern Nzema Traditional Council and Paramount Chief of Atuabo, Awulae Blay IX, also supports the revocation, citing Adamus's long history of illegal activities and failure to undertake development projects in the Ellembelle District. Salma's chief and other traditional leaders are united in their call for Adamus to exit, urging the government to find a new, responsible investor to develop the community.
Former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has disavowed any involvement in the ongoing prosecution of Prince Aboagye, the National Democratic Congress NDC Branch Organiser for Agona West Constituency. Aboagye was arrested for alleged offensive remarks made against Dr Bawumia. In a statement, Dr Bawumia, who is the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party NPP, clarified that he neither lodged a complaint nor sanctioned the prosecution of Aboagye or any other citizen for their speech. He emphasized his belief that offensive speech should be met with better speech and truth, not state power or legal action. Dr Bawumia has called on the Ghana Police Service and the Attorney-General to discontinue the prosecution and release Aboagye, stating that Ghana's democracy is strengthened when citizens can speak freely without fear. Meanwhile, an Accra Circuit Court granted Aboagye bail in the sum of GH¢200,000 with three sureties, but he remains in police custody after failing to meet the bail conditions. Police reported that Aboagye was arrested on July 19, 2026, after a video circulated on TikTok showing him allegedly making offensive and insulting remarks against Dr Bawumia, including accusations of murder, theft, and extramarital affairs. Aboagye reportedly admitted to making the statements during his caution statement.
Must ReadGhana's Ministry of Education is implementing significant changes to the basic school curriculum, incorporating Artificial Intelligence AI, coding, computing, and citizenship education. Developed by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment NaCCA, the revised curriculum aims to equip students with essential digital, practical, and civic skills. Language instruction will also see reforms, with Ghanaian languages remaining the primary medium from Kindergarten to Primary Three, while Chinese will be an optional foreign language and Arabic teaching will be standardized. Executive Secretary of NaCCA, Professor Samuel Ofori Bekoe, highlighted four major structural changes, including the introduction of Citizenship Education as a standalone subject to foster civic values. This new subject will consolidate civic knowledge and competencies to prepare students for responsible citizenship. The Minister of Education has directed the Ghana Education Service to finalize its review within one week for implementation.