Samuel George reaffirms commitment to Ghana's anti-LGBTQ Bill
via GhanaWeb1 min read
Samuel Nartey George, Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, has reiterated his dedication to the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, also known as the anti-LGBTQ Bill. Speaking at the 4th African Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Family, Sovereignty and Values on June 4, 2026, he stated that proponents of the legislation will continue to advocate for its presidential assent. George highlighted the bill as part of Ghana's efforts to uphold family values and protect children. He noted that the legislation, previously passed by Parliament but not assented to by the President, has been passed again. George emphasized that African nations should actively develop laws reflecting their values rather than depending on frameworks influenced by foreign technology companies. The bill, which criminalizes LGBTQ activities, advocacy, and promotion in Ghana, has been passed by Parliament with amendments, including exemptions for certain professionals and institutions.
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Must ReadSam George, co-sponsor of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, stated that homosexual people need medical and psychiatric attention. Speaking at the 4th Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Family, Sovereignty and Values, Samuel Nartey George claimed that homosexuality was previously classified as a mental disorder in US medical and scientific references until its removal due to social campaigns, not scientific re-evaluation. He described homosexuality as a "mental aberration." George also urged Parliament to transmit the bill to President John Dramani Mahama for constitutional processes, arguing that Parliament's Standing Orders do not allow for reconsideration of a passed bill, and that Parliament's role concludes once a bill is passed, with the next step resting with the President.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI has released a list of "Most Wanted Fraudsters" to enhance the fight against healthcare fraud, program fraud, and other fraud schemes in the United States. The program was inspired by the success of similar initiatives targeting specific crimes. The list includes two women and six men accused of various crimes, including wire fraud and money laundering, with alleged stolen amounts ranging from $1.3 million to $1.2 billion. No Ghanaian citizens were included on this particular list, despite recent indictments of individuals from Ghana by the bureau. The accused individuals and their alleged crimes and total losses are: Rodney Dean Allen Wire Fraud, $7,300,000, Christopher Burns Mail Fraud, $10,000,000, John Michael Dimitrion Failure to Appear, Wire Fraud, $1,300,000, Julieanne Baldueza Dimitrion Failure to Appear, Wire Fraud, $1,300,000, Said Abdullahi Ereg Wire Fraud, Money Laundering, $4,200,000, Elaine Angene Escoe Wire Fraud, Money Laundering, $32,000,000, Herbert Kimble $1,200,000,000, and Micha Lizaso Marasigan Operating an Illegal Gambling Business, $34,000,000.
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.
Must ReadPrivate 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.