A proposed by Kwame Asare Obeng (A Plus) is currently under review seeks to criminalise paternity fraud, including false claims of fatherhood and the deliberate misrepresentation of a child’s biological parentage.
The draft legislation, titled the Paternity Fraud (Criminalisation) Bill, 2026, outlines offences relating to the misrepresentation or concealment of a child’s biological father, as well as the falsification of official records concerning paternity.
Under the bill, a person commits an offence if, with intent or recklessness, they represent that a specified man is the biological father of a child while knowing the claim is false, or conceal from a man information confirming that he is not the biological father.
It also states that a person could be guilty of paternity fraud if, through deception, they induce a man to accept legal or financial responsibility for a child while being aware, or reckless as to whether, he is not the biological father.
In addition, the bill introduces the offence of false registration of paternity. This includes making or causing to be made a false entry in any official register, document or birth certificate regarding the paternity of a child, as well as presenting forged or falsified documents in official proceedings to establish or deny paternity.
If passed, individuals found guilty of intentional paternity fraud could face up to five years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to GHS 50,000, or both. Reckless conduct may attract a prison term of up to three years, a fine of up to GHS 25,000, or both.
The bill also provides for possible defences, including where the accused can demonstrate that they genuinely and reasonably believed the representation to be true at the time it was made, and that they did not receive any financial or material benefit as a result.
Supporters of the proposed legislation argue that it aims to protect men from financial and emotional harm arising from misattributed paternity. However, critics have raised concerns that it could create pressure on men to seek DNA testing before assuming legal responsibility for a child in order to avoid potential criminal liability.
The bill remains under review and has not yet been passed into law.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
