The Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC) says the new anti-LGBTQ+ bill isn't strong enough to protect the country's family values.

In a statement on Thursday, the Council said the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, in its current form, falls short of expectations. It warned the bill wouldn't protect Ghana's cultural heritage or the moral fabric of society.

The statement was signed by the Council's president, Dr. Eric Nyamekye, and copied to the Ghana News Agency.

The GPCC wants the earlier version of the bill — the one passed by the previous Parliament — to be brought back. They described that version as more comprehensive and better suited to address the moral and cultural concerns at stake.

“Its prior endorsement for presidential assent is a testament to its legislative merit, and GPCC strongly recommends that it be reinstated and passed without further delay,” the statement said.

But the Council didn't reject the bill entirely. It reaffirmed its solidarity with the government, Parliament, and the people of Ghana on the passage of the law. It said it remains committed to upholding the country's values, sovereignty, and moral well-being, no matter what domestic or international criticism comes.

This isn't the first time the GPCC has pushed for tough anti-LGBTQ+ laws. The Council has been a vocal supporter of the original bill, which was passed by the previous Parliament in 2024 but never signed into law by President Nana Akufo-Addo. That earlier version included stricter penalties and broader definitions of offences.

The current bill was passed by the current Parliament in May 2026. It criminalises same-sex relationships and related advocacy, with prison sentences of up to 10 years. But the GPCC argues it's been watered down.

The Council's position matters because it represents a large chunk of Ghana's Christian population. The GPCC is an umbrella body for Pentecostal and charismatic churches, which have millions of followers across the country.

What happens next is unclear. The bill has been sent to President Nana Akufo-Addo for assent. But the president hasn't yet said whether he'll sign it. His predecessor, Akufo-Addo, refused to sign the earlier version, citing legal challenges and international pressure.

The bill has also faced opposition from human rights groups, who say it violates the rights of LGBTQ+ people. Several Western governments and international organisations have warned that the law could hurt Ghana's economy and foreign relations.

But for the GPCC, the concern is different. They want a bill that's tough enough to send a clear message — and they don't think the current one does the job.

  • The GPCC is the main umbrella body for Pentecostal and charismatic churches in Ghana.
  • Its president is Dr. Eric Nyamekye.
  • The original bill was passed by the previous Parliament in 2024 but not signed by President Akufo-Addo.
  • The current bill was passed in May 2026.
  • The new bill carries prison sentences of up to 10 years for same-sex acts.
  • The bill is now awaiting presidential assent.