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Ghana advances strict anti-LGBTQ+ legislation
Ghana's parliament has approved a bill that imposes prison sentences for identifying as LGBTQ+ or promoting related activities, drawing sharp criticism from human rights groups.
Key provisions of the bill
The legislation, passed on Thursday, mandates up to three years in prison for individuals identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer. It also introduces a legal obligation to report prohibited acts to authorities.
Supporters of LGBTQ+ rights-referred to as "allies"-could face imprisonment under the new law. Exemptions are included for legal, media, and healthcare professionals reporting on or treating LGBTQ+ individuals.
Political and religious pressure
Religious leaders have urged President John Dramani Mahama to sign the bill into law, arguing it aligns with Ghanaian cultural and family values. Mahama, who took office last year, has publicly stated his belief in "only two genders" and traditional marriage.
"This bill makes our existing laws more robust and stringent in addressing LGBTQ+ practices,"
Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, bill sponsor
International condemnation
Human Rights Watch has warned the legislation endangers LGBTQ+ lives and fosters a climate of surveillance and denunciation. The group formally urged parliament to abandon the bill during committee review in Accra.
Ghana's move follows a broader trend in Africa. Senegal passed a law in March imposing 10-year prison terms for same-sex relations, while Uganda introduced the death penalty for certain same-sex acts in 2023.
Historical context and next steps
Same-sex relationships have been illegal in Ghana since British colonial-era laws. A similar bill passed in 2024 failed after legal challenges prevented former President Akufo-Addo from signing it.
President Mahama has not yet ratified the current bill, but his past statements suggest he is likely to approve it. If signed, the law would take effect immediately.
