By Nana Davis Mac-Iyalla Executive Director of IDNOWA
Ghana’s Parliament has, once again, reintroduced the so-called Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill—a Private Member’s Bill that seeks to criminalize LGBTQ+ identities, advocacy, and even journalism. But just like its predecessor introduced in 2021, this bill is not only discriminatory—it is unconstitutional.
⚖️ Article 108: The Bill’s Fatal Flaw
Under Article 108 of the 1992 Constitution, the Speaker of Parliament is prohibited from allowing any bill that imposes a financial burden on the State unless it is introduced by the government. This bill proposes prison sentences of up to 10 years for individuals who “promote” LGBTQ+ rights—including journalists, allies, and advocates.
That means:
Convicts must be housed, fed, and secured—at the taxpayer’s expense.
The bill is not government-sponsored, yet it mandates costly enforcement.
This is a textbook violation of Article 108. The Speaker is constitutionally barred from proceeding. Any attempt to do so undermines the integrity of Parliament and the rule of law.
📉 A Bill That Lapsed—and Should Stay Buried
The original version of this bill, introduced in 2021, lapsed without passage. It was widely condemned by legal experts, human rights defenders, and international observers. Its reintroduction in 2025 is not a revival—it’s a repetition of error.
🗣️ Legacy, Clarity, and Constitutional Courage
Let it be known: this bill is dead on arrival. No amount of posturing or moral panic can override the Constitution. Ghana’s democracy is not a playground for populist punishment. We must anchor our laws in justice, clarity, and fiscal responsibility.
To every journalist, advocate, and citizen who refuses to be silenced—stand firm. The Constitution is on your side. And to those who seek to weaponize Parliament against dignity and truth: the law has spoken. You may reintroduce the bill, but you cannot resurrect its legitimacy.
Press Release For Immediate Release Date: 11 August 2025 Contact: Interfaith Diversity Network of West Africa (IDNOWA) Email: info@idnowa.org
IDNOWA Leads Bold Dialogue on Human Rights and Inclusion Amid Ghana’s Anti-LGBT Bill Debate
Accra, Ghana — On 4 August 2025, the Interfaith Diversity Network of West Africa (IDNOWA) hosted a landmark sensitization workshop aimed at promoting human rights awareness and fostering inclusive dialogue among religious and traditional leaders. The event comes at a critical time, as Ghana’s Parliament reconsiders the controversial anti-LGBT bill, raising alarm among civil society and international observers.
The workshop brought together a diverse group of faith leaders, human rights educators, and civil society representatives to explore the intersection of religion, culture, and inclusion. Through presentations, group discussions, and personal storytelling, participants examined the social and legal implications of the proposed legislation and reaffirmed their commitment to dignity and equality for all.
“This workshop is not just a conversation—it’s a commitment to justice,” said Davis Mac-Iyalla, Executive Director of IDNOWA. “We must continue to challenge exclusionary narratives and empower leaders to stand for compassion and equality.”
IDNOWA has been at the forefront of promoting inclusion across West Africa, using interfaith dialogue to dismantle stigma and build bridges between communities. The organization’s ongoing efforts include educational outreach, advocacy campaigns, and strategic partnerships with local and international stakeholders.
Key Outcomes: Increased empathy and understanding among religious leaders.
Commitments to promote inclusive practices within faith communities.
Heightened awareness of the anti-LGBT bill’s risks to civil liberties.
Recommendations: Continued engagement through follow-up workshops.
Development of tailored educational materials for faith communities.
Strengthened partnerships with advocacy groups to support inclusive policy dialogue.
This workshop underscores IDNOWA’s unwavering dedication to human rights and its strategic role in shaping a more inclusive West Africa.
For interviews, media inquiries, or further information, please contact: IDNOWA Communications Team 📧 info@idnowa.org 🌐 Visit our press page
Davis Mac Iyalla, a queer spiritual leader and out gay chief in Ghana, embodies defiant visibility and ancestral wisdom in equal measure
Ghana’s Parliament has reopened debate on one of Africa’s toughest anti LGBTQ+ bills, just a year after the previous version expired without presidential assent.
The reintroduced Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill seeks to raise prison terms for same sex intimacy and criminalise “promotion” of queer rights.
Yet even as legislators press ahead, a very different story is unfolding in the fishing town of Yamonransa on the country’s Cape Coast.
There, Nana Kwaku Gyasi, Chief Davis Mac Iyalla, who is also Executive Director of the Interfaith Diversity Network of West Africa (IDNOWA), is teaching that visibility itself can be an act of love.
“I came out the day I was born”
Mac Iyalla rejects western notions of a single, dramatic “coming out.”
“I came out to the world the day I was born,” he tells MambaOnline. “My concept of coming out is about speaking out, using your voice to challenge injustice.”
That conviction first catapulted him into headlines a quarter century ago, when he confronted the Anglican Church of Nigeria over its homophobia.
Today he carries the same fire into Ghanaian life, defiantly testifying before Parliament against the anti-LGBTQ+ bill and preaching inclusion from pulpits across West Africa.
Chosen by the ancestors
Three years ago, Mac Iyalla was lifted onto a traditional palanquin (also known as a litter, used to carry chiefs, kings, and other important figures during ceremonies and festivals) and installed as Amankorehen (development chief) of Yamonransa.
Some rival chiefs tried, literally, to topple him; the palanquin collapsed and tabloids declared that “the gods had rejected” a gay chief.
The activist tells a very different story: “I was chosen by the ancestors,” he says. “If homosexuality were truly a taboo, I would never have been allowed to sit on the stool.” (In Ghanaian chieftaincy, the stool is not just a seat but a central symbol of leadership and authority.)
His stool still stands. So do his community projects: youth apprenticeships, widows’ micro grants and IDNOWA’s dialogue circles that bring imams, pastors and traditional priests to the same table.
Chief Davis Mac Iyalla being carried on a traditional palanquin used during ceremonies and festivals
An out gay chief changing hearts at village level
While urban activists tweet and rally, Mac Iyalla works face to face with local “gate keepers”, chiefs, queen mothers and clan elders whose word shapes daily life.
“Most people don’t care about my sexuality,” he explains. “They care about the development I bring.”
That pragmatism is paying off. Elders who once kept silent now greet him publicly; church women volunteer at IDNOWA food drives; parents ask how to protect queer children rather than punish them.
“Changing attitudes takes time,” the chief says, “but conversations have begun, and that is huge for West Africa.”
Faith without fear
For Mac Iyalla, queer joy is inseparable from spirituality. IDNOWA’s credo is simple: “All humans are born free and equal.”
Founded in 2016, the network spans 11 West African countries, equipping clergy and activists to confront religiously framed homophobia with scripture, history and Ubuntu ethics.
Last September, Mac Iyalla preached in the Netherlands, urging Christians to “reshape the world by speaking out against all forms of injustice.”
A message to queer African youth
“You are not a taboo. You are not ‘un-African’. Same sex love existed on this continent long before colonial missionaries,” Mac Iyalla asserts.
“If God and your ancestors are with you, no weapon fashioned by anti gender movements will succeed.”
He urges young people who feel safe enough to “take the risk and be counted,” while reminding them that leadership also happens quietly, in classrooms, clinics and marketplaces where queer Africans already serve.
Why this story matters
Mac Iyalla’s journey does not erase Ghana’s political peril, but it illuminates a parallel reality: LGBTQ+ Ghanaians are farmers, teachers, chiefs and prayer leaders. They are “everywhere,” as he likes to say, and in many cases they are thriving.
In a season when anti queer rhetoric dominates headlines, Chief Davis Mac Iyalla stands as living proof that African tradition can coexist with and celebrate queer identity. His life invites us to imagine a future in which ancestral stools make room for every kind of child born to the continent.
Until that day arrives, he will keep doing what chiefs are meant to do: build, protect and speak the truth. And that, in itself, is queer joy.
On 7th March 2025 IDNOWA hosted a successful traditional and religious leaders engagement in Cape Coast Ghana. Highlights of the conversation was safety and security for the marginalised community.
On this special occasion of Ghana’s Independence Day, Idnowa joins the nation in celebrating the rich history, resilience, and spirit of unity that defines Ghana. As we mark the 6th of March, we honor the sacrifices made by our forebears and their unwavering commitment to the freedom and progress we continue to enjoy today.
Ghana’s journey of independence has been one of determination, courage, and collective effort, and we remain inspired by the nation’s growth and achievements. As Ghanaians celebrate this monumental day, we stand in solidarity with the people of Ghana and wish everyone a joyful and reflective celebration.
Statement by the Interfaith Diversity Network of West Africa (IDNOWA) on Ghana’s Upcoming Elections on 7th December 2024
As Ghana approaches its general elections on 7th December 2024, the Interfaith Diversity Network of West Africa (IDNOWA) calls for a peaceful, inclusive, and transparent electoral process that upholds the dignity and rights of all citizens.
A Call for Peace and Unity We urge political parties, candidates, and their supporters to prioritize peace and refrain from rhetoric or actions that may incite violence, division, or hatred. Ghana has long been a beacon of democracy in Africa, and it is imperative that this legacy is upheld during this critical period.
Respect for Human Rights Elections should not be a platform for the marginalization of vulnerable groups, including women, youth, and LGBTQI+ individuals. We call on all stakeholders to promote messages of inclusion, unity, and respect for diversity. Hate speech, stigmatization, and the use of homophobia as a political tool have no place in a democratic society.
Fairness and Transparency IDNOWA appeals to the Electoral Commission, security agencies, and all relevant authorities, to ensure that the electoral process is free, fair and transparent. Citizens must feel confident that their voices will be heard and their votes counted without intimidation or fear.
Engagement with Religious and Community Leaders As an interfaith organization, we emphasise the role of religious and community leaders in fostering dialogue and encouraging peaceful coexistence. Let us use our platforms to unite communities rather than divide them.
Encouraging Civic Responsibility We encourage all eligible voters to exercise their right to vote responsibly and without coercion. Participation in the democratic process is a cornerstone of active citizenship and a vital step toward shaping a more inclusive and equitable society.
Our Commitment IDNOWA remains committed to promoting peace, human rights, and inclusion across West Africa. We stand ready to collaborate with civil society organizations, government agencies, and international partners to ensure a peaceful electoral process in Ghana.
Together, let us strive for an election that reflects the values of justice, equity, and respect for all.
Signed Mr. Davis Mac-Iyalla Executive Director Interfaith Diversity Network of West Africa.
The executive director of IDNOWA and some members were invited by its partners , the Protestant Church in The Netherlands one a week. The purpose of the visit is an exchange program with the aim to meet with different organisations and inform relevant bodies of the Protestant church as well as the general public in the Netherlands about the threatening human rights situation of LGBTIQ people in Ghana, and Nigeria. A second purpose is to improve the partnership between Kerk in Actie and the Interfaith Diversity Network of West Africa (IDNOWA).
During the visits the IDNOWA team met with the religious, parliamentarians and several civil society organizations.
Davis Mac-Iyalla preached an amazing sermon on Sunday 15th September at Nieuwe Kerk, Groningen. He centred his message on Dead Faith and Suffering and encouraged the congregation to use their faith to reshape the world around them by speaking out against all forms of injustice and discrimination.
On Tuesday, August 14, 2024, Rightify Ghana’s Director had the honour of meeting Pope Francis at the Vatican.
With LGBTQI+ criminalisation rising in Africa, and Ghana’s anti-LGBTQI+ bill pending, we shared our experiences as queer individuals in Ghana and expressed gratitude to the Pope for his progressive stance, especially his opposition to violence and discrimination.
Pope Francis encouraged us to “keep fighting for your rights,” and that’s exactly what we will do.
We’re also grateful for the meaningful gifts we received—they will always hold a special place for us.
On Tuesday, August 14, 2024, Rightify Ghana's Director @Ebenezer_Peegah had the honour of meeting Pope Francis @Pontifex at the Vatican.
With LGBTQI+ criminalisation rising in Africa, and Ghana's anti-LGBTQI+ bill pending, we shared our experiences as queer individuals in.. pic.twitter.com/tYfW1X4W6D
More religious and faith-based leaders continue to add their voices to the call for further discussions on the much-talked about Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, also called the anti-gay Bill.
The Bill, which was passed by Parliament in February this year, is yet to receive presidential assent due to some legal tussles around it.
Some of the religious leaders believe that the Bill, as it stands now, appears to be politically motivated and that the personal interests of those behind it have overshadowed the national interest.
This came to light in Techiman in the Bono East Region during a social dialogue with religious and faith-based leaders on human rights and rights-based approach to protecting and respecting the rights of sexual minorities in Ghana.
It was organised by the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), an independent, not-for-profit research and advocacy think tank working to advance democracy, good governance and inclusive economic growth, in collaboration with the Centre for Religion and Public Life (CRPL-Ghana), a civil society group.
CDD-Ghana works to complement the broader objectives of strengthening democratic governance, the principles of popular participation and the demand for public accountability while CRPL[1]Ghana seeks to balance religion and spirituality in public life through research, education, lobbying and advocacy.
It became obvious during the dialogue session that a sizeable number of the populace has neither read nor been taken through the bill but are emotionally in support of it primarily based on their religious and cultural inclinations and what they have heard through the media.
Broader consultations
“There should have been a broader consultation for inputs from various interest groups because the Bill in its current state violates the fundamental human rights of some people. Even though we don’t accept LGBTQI+ but it’s too harsh to my liking and it must be reconsidered. Some aspects of Bill must not be allowed to remain and so I suggest that Parliament should float the process again for further discussions before it is laid on the floor again,” said Rev. Robert Boadi, the head pastor of the Techiman branch of the Evangelical Church of Ghana in an interview on the sidelines of the dialogue.
For his part, Rev. Augustine Agyapong Bae of the Trinity Congregation of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Techiman, wondered why the seeming pressure to pass the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill today when Ghana’s current criminal code and other legal frameworks under the 1992 Constitution adequately deal with all the issues raised in the bill.
“I thought there were no laws in our statutes that deal with some of these things, but I have come to realise that there are laws that can adequately deal with anyone who engages in gay or lesbianism. We’re not saying nobody can make laws in the country, but it should be devoid of politics and emotions so that we don’t regret our actions in future,” he again said.
For his part, Rev. William Appiah Kubi, the head pastor of the Faith Baptist Church in Techiman, said the dialogue session had enlightened him and his colleagues on the Bill.
He noted that the proponents of the Bill appeared to have rushed the process leading to its passage without adequate consultations, adding that there are several provisions of the Bill that should either be revised or taken out completely because of their tendency to infringe upon other people’s fundamental human rights.
He said: “There will be a lot of chaos if this Bill is allowed to come into effect, so I think we need to broaden the discussion further for people to be adequately informed about the various provisions of it.”
Most participants also expressed similar concerns during separate interviews.
Dr. Michael Augustus Akagbor, Senior Programmes Officer of CDD-Ghana, was happy about the outcome of the dialogue, and gave the assurance that more of such engagements would be organised, going forward.
Misconceptions
“Usually, people come for such a programme with their preconceived perceptions, but through engagements we realised that a lot of the participants have not even read the Bill, and that’s the danger of language. These are people of authority, and once they say something people consider it to be true. So, it’s good that we’ve been able to engage with them,” he stated.
He said CDD-Ghana would continue to engage with various stakeholder groups on the issue, adding that “the more people understand this Bill, the more they come to the realization that it is not good for our country.”
The Executive Director of the CRPL-Ghana, Rev. Dr. Confidence Bansah, reminded religious leaders to mindful of the teachings of Jesus Christ, which are mainly centred on peace, love and reconciliation. He said Christians are the salt and the light of the world and must therefore act in a way that would ensure that people live in unity and in harmony devoid of any discrimination.
Interfaith Diversity Network of West Africa 