Ghana's parliament has passed a bill that would impose prison terms of up to 10 years for individuals who promote LGBTQ activities, reviving legislation long championed by religious groups in the West African nation but denounced by human rights advocates.
Details of the Bill
The bill, expected to be signed into law by President John Dramani Mahama, also prescribes three-year prison sentences for engaging in LGBTQ acts. An earlier version passed in 2024 but was never enacted by then-President Nana Akufo-Addo. Activists and church groups continued to push for the legislation, and Mahama has indicated his support.
Ghana joins a growing list of African countries enacting laws against homosexuality. Such laws enjoy broad popular support in many conservative African nations despite international criticism.
Provisions and Penalties
The legislation bans “promoting, sponsoring or advocating” LGBTQ acts, as well as funding LGBTQ groups and activities. It also imposes a five-year prison term for operating a brothel for prohibited sexual activity.
Supporters argue the bill protects Ghanaian family values and cultural norms. Critics contend it violates constitutional rights and could foster discrimination and abuse against sexual minorities.
International Reaction
Human Rights Watch condemned the bill, urging Ghana's government to “uphold the international legal protections that guarantee every Ghanaian the rights to equality, nondiscrimination, freedom of expression, and privacy.”
Same-sex sexual relations are already criminalized under a colonial-era law prohibiting “unnatural carnal knowledge.” The new bill significantly expands restrictions by criminalizing advocacy, support, and related activities.
When the previous bill passed in 2024, Ghana's Finance Ministry warned it could jeopardize billions of dollars in international financing and development partner support.
Over 30 of Africa's 54 countries have laws criminalizing same-sex sexual acts. Some carry lengthy jail terms exceeding 10 years, while countries like Somalia, Uganda, and Mauritania impose the death penalty.
