Amnesty International has called on government to critically consider the human rights implications of the proposed Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, popularly known as the anti-LGBTI bill, before taking further steps towards its passage.
The organisation said that while Ghana remains a democratic beacon in Africa, there are growing concerns about civic freedoms, protection of vulnerable groups and the shrinking space for free expression.
The Board Chair of Amnesty International Ghana, Francis Nyantakyi, made the call in Accra yesterday at the launch of the 2025 State of the World Human Rights Report.
The report, which documents human rights concerns in 144 countries last year, assessed national, regional and global developments across a broad range of human rights themes.
It highlighted how states have undermined the international rules-based system, hindering efforts to resolve problems affecting millions of people globally.
It also identified trends relating to armed conflicts, repression of dissent, discrimination, economic and climate injustice, the abrupt halt of humanitarian aid, and the misuse of technology, all of which continue to undermine human rights worldwide.
Describing Ghana’s political environment as relatively calm, Mr Nyantakyi said concerns regarding accountability, access to justice and freedom of expression still require urgent attention.
Citing attacks on journalists and the use of state institutions to suppress free expression in recent times, he called on government to take immediate steps to address the situation and protect human rights.
“We think attacks on journalists have reached a point we should never have gotten to. Attack on free speech and freedom of expression is an attack on our very humanity,” he stated.
“We continue to demand accountability until the perpetrators of Ahmed Suale are brought to book,” the Board Chair added.
Mr Nyantakyi further called for the institutionalisation of reforms needed to safeguard vulnerable groups in the country and protect human rights.
The Acting Director of Amnesty International Ghana, Hannah Osei, who presented highlights of the report, said the global human rights situation remains alarming, citing wars, authoritarian crackdowns, restrictions on freedoms and attacks on minorities in several countries.
According to her, the report documents tightening controls on civic freedoms, growing surveillance and increasing discrimination against vulnerable groups, including LGBTI persons.
She said that in countries such as Hungary and Burkina Faso, laws targeting same-sex relationships and gender identities have intensified discrimination and exclusion, and urged Ghana not to follow the same path in matters relating to human rights and dignity.
The Chairman of Parliament’s Human Rights Committee and Member of Parliament for Odotobri, Mr Anthony Mmieh, said work on the controversial anti-LGBTI bill is still ongoing in Parliament.
He assured that concerns raised by stakeholders over the possible criminalisation of journalists, medical practitioners and human rights defenders under the bill would be addressed.
“There are going to be clauses which would safeguard people in this category so that they can perform their duties diligently as professionals,” he stated.
The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill was passed by the Eighth Parliament in February 2024 but did not receive presidential assent before the end of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s tenure.
The bill, which seeks to criminalise activities related to LGBTQ+ advocacy, promotion and same-sex relations, has generated widespread local and international debate over its implications for human rights, freedom of expression and Ghana’s international obligations.
The current Parliament is expected to reconsider the bill following renewed calls by some legislators and religious groups for its reintroduction.
BY ABIGAIL ANNOH
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