Martin Kpebu explains his absence from Ghana's anti-LGBTQ+ bill debate
via GhanaWeb2 min read
Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has clarified his limited involvement in the public debate surrounding Ghana's anti-LGBTQ+ bill. Kpebu, a human rights lawyer, stated that he has represented LGBTQ+ individuals in the past, emphasizing that they possess rights. However, he explained his current stance by noting that many prominent LGBTQ+ individuals, including successful lawyers he knows, choose to remain silent due to fear of stigma. Kpebu indicated that if those directly affected are unwilling to publicly advocate for themselves, he is reluctant to risk his own credibility. He suggested that if LGBTQ+ individuals were to come forward, it might evoke compassion from the Ghanaian public. The Parliament of Ghana passed the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, also known as the anti-gay bill, on Friday, May 29, 2026. This marks the second time the bill has been passed, and it now awaits the assent of President John Dramani Mahama to become law. The bill criminalizes same-sex sexual intercourse and marriage, and prohibits individuals from identifying as LGBTQ+ or related terms, with penalties including up to three years imprisonment.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by GhanaWeb.
The National Democratic Congress NDC Council of Elders has unequivocally reaffirmed President John Dramani Mahama as the party's leader. Following a meeting with President Mahama on May 29, 2026, the Council issued a statement emphasizing his constitutional role as Leader of the NDC. The Council cautioned all members with presidential ambitions to cease activities that could cause division within the party. While not directly naming the National Chairman's nationwide 'Thank You' tour, the timing of the statement has led to speculation, as the tour has been criticized by some stakeholders for potentially blurring the lines between the Chairman's organizational role and the President's leadership, and for possibly advancing the Chairman's own presidential ambitions. The Council reiterated Article 42 of the NDC Constitution, reminding members that the National Executive Committee NEC holds the sole authority to set the timetable for presidential primaries. Until the NEC announces official guidelines, the elders warned that all forms of campaigning, endorsements, and mobilization must stop immediately, stating that the time for internal contests will come, but for now, the collective responsibility is to serve the nation.
Joshua Hamidu Akamba, a former National Organiser of the National Democratic Congress NDC, has urged the President to dismiss certain ministers due to what he terms "arrogance of power." In a video dated June 4, 2026, Akamba, without naming individuals, stated that some ministers, both men and women, have displayed conduct warranting their removal. He also called for state institutions to operate independently, free from political interference, cautioning ministers against influencing their work. Akamba further declared his intention to reject any political appointment from President John Dramani Mahama, emphasizing his lack of interest in government service. He dismissed any suggestions that his comments were motivated by fear or personal gain, highlighting his history of speaking out on national issues.
Samuel Nartey George, the Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, announced that the Ghanaian government is developing a policy to mandate identity verification for access to pornographic websites. Speaking at the 4th African Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Family, Sovereignty and Values on June 4, 2026, he noted that many countries are increasing restrictions on adult content. The initiative aims to protect children from exposure to harmful online material. George cited the United Kingdom's requirement for a driver's license to access such sites as a precedent. He stated that Ghana's proposed policy, currently being discussed with Cabinet, would require users to provide a driver's license or national ID card to verify age before accessing X-rated content. The Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram emphasized that early exposure to sexual content can negatively impact children's development, thinking patterns, morality, and overall values, underscoring the importance of safeguarding children to preserve societal cultural foundations.
Governance expert Akwasi Opong-Fosu discussed the June 4 Uprising, stating that its events cannot be fully understood by those who did not experience them. He noted that while the uprising aimed to promote probity, accountability, and social justice, the use of military force did not fundamentally change Ghana’s governance culture. Opong-Fosu emphasized that national values like accountability and integrity must be embraced and taught, not imposed through fear. He argued that many root causes of the 1979 intervention, such as corruption and inequality, persist despite Ghana's democratic transition. Opong-Fosu called for a renewed national dialogue on the lessons of June 4, urging institutions like the National Commission for Civic Education, traditional authorities, religious leaders, and the media to promote these values. He highlighted that Ghana has laws and institutions for accountability, but societal attitudes and partisan divisions hinder their effectiveness. The June 4 Revolution, marking its 47th anniversary, began as a military mutiny led by then Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings, driven by public anger over corruption, economic hardship, and poor governance, following a failed coup attempt on May 15, 1979.