The ongoing debate over Ghana’s proposed LGBTQ+ bill could emerge as a key issue in the 2028 general elections, with a significant majority of voters signalling that the government’s delay in signing the legislation may shape their choices at the polls.
This is according to a new survey by Africa Policy Lens (APL), conducted between April 9 and 11, 2026. The study gathered responses from 6,796 eligible voters across all 16 regions using bulk SMS.
Dr Hayford Mensah Ayerakwa, APL’s Director of Research and Administration, said the findings point to a growing sense of political accountability among voters. According to him, many Ghanaians now see the issue as a test of the government’s credibility.
The survey found that 80.7 per cent of respondents said the government’s inaction on the bill would influence how they vote in the 2028 presidential election. A further 85.2 per cent expressed disappointment over the delay, while 86.4 per cent said they felt misled by the government’s handling of LGBTQ+ issues.
The bill, which has sparked widespread national debate since its passage by Parliament, is yet to be signed into law. This has placed the government under mounting pressure from both religious groups and international observers.
The findings also point to possible political consequences. About 57.5 per cent of respondents said they would prefer to vote the current administration out, while 29.3 per cent support increased public pressure, including protests. Only 6.8 per cent believe no action is needed.
Regionally, Greater Accra Region recorded the highest response rate at 23.3 per cent, followed by Ashanti Region at 14.8 per cent—an indication that urban voters are particularly engaged with the issue.
The survey comes at a time when the government of John Dramani Mahama is facing scrutiny on multiple fronts, including economic management and rising public expectations.
Although the next elections are still two years away, the APL findings suggest the LGBTQ+ debate is likely to remain a central issue—one political parties may find difficult to avoid in their campaign messaging.