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Ghana's president delays approval of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation
President John Mahama announced on Tuesday that Ghana's recently passed bill criminalizing LGBTQ+ activities will undergo legal scrutiny before receiving official approval. Speaking in London, Mahama confirmed his administration would examine the legislation, which was introduced as a private members' motion rather than a government proposal.
Key provisions of the bill
The legislation, approved by parliament last Friday, imposes up to three years in prison for identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer. It also introduces a "duty to report" any prohibited acts to authorities. Legal, healthcare, and media professionals are exempt from punishment if they provide medical treatment, services, or report on LGBTQ+ issues, though supporters of LGBTQ+ rights-termed "allies"-could still face imprisonment.
Procedural concerns and political pressure
Mahama, who took office last year, acknowledged procedural lapses in the bill's passage during a discussion at the Chatham House think tank. The Speaker of Parliament is addressing these issues. The president also noted that the bill would be referred to the Council of State-his advisory body-if any legal complications arise.
Religious leaders have urged Mahama to strengthen anti-gay measures, which already ban same-sex relationships under colonial-era laws. This is the second attempt by lawmakers to pass such legislation; a similar bill introduced in 2021 was stalled after legal challenges and opposition from Mahama's predecessor, Nana Akufo-Addo.
Debate over amendments and legal challenges
Members of Ghana's minority party argue that recent amendments have weakened the bill's impact. Minority spokesperson John Ntim Forjour claimed the current version lacks the "deterrence and efficacy" of the 2024 draft, which faced Supreme Court lawsuits that delayed its approval.
Human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch, have condemned the legislation, urging its abandonment in a formal submission to Ghana's constitutional and legal affairs committee. Supporters, however, argue the bill upholds traditional Ghanaian family values.
Regional context
Ghana's bill reflects a broader trend across Africa, where several nations have tightened restrictions on LGBTQ+ rights. In March, Senegal's parliament approved legislation prescribing up to 10 years in prison for same-sex relations and criminalizing the "promotion" of homosexuality. Uganda introduced the death penalty for certain same-sex acts in 2023.
"We will look at it and make sure that everything is in order."
President John Mahama
