Ghana's Proposed Compulsory Paternity Testing Bill Sparks Discrimination Fears

Parentage, not paternity: Ghana’s proposed compulsory paternity testing bill sparks fears of discrimination against mothers

A legislative proposal currently advancing through Ghana’s policy space seeks to mandate compulsory paternity testing for all children born in healthcare facilities, alongside the criminalisation of what its proponents call “paternity fraud.” Its stated objectives: securing biological certainty, protecting paternal interests, and deterring deception or fraud, indeed hold an immediate and superficial appeal to many. After all, few would argue that truth has no place in law. Law, however, does...

By Caleb Ahinakwah