Ghana’s Parliament has approved a controversial anti-LGBTQ+ bill that would criminalise homosexuality and the promotion of LGBTQ+ activities, in what is being described as one of the country’s most stringent measures against sexual minorities.
The legislation, which awaits the approval of President John Dramani Mahama before it can take effect, proposes prison terms of up to three years for individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer. It also requires citizens to report alleged LGBTQ+ activities to law enforcement authorities.
Supporters of the bill argue that it is intended to preserve Ghanaian cultural and family values. Speaking before Parliament, the bill’s sponsor, John Ntim Fordjour, said the legislation would strengthen existing laws by making them “more robust, comprehensive, and stringent” in addressing LGBTQ+ practices.
Beyond criminalising same-sex relationships, the bill introduces penalties for individuals who support or promote LGBTQ+ rights. However, exemptions are provided for professionals such as journalists, lawyers, and healthcare workers whose work may require engagement with LGBTQ+ issues.
Human rights organisations have strongly criticised the legislation. Human Rights Watch warned that it could expose LGBTQ+ individuals to increased discrimination and violence while encouraging surveillance and reporting among citizens.
Same-sex relationships are already prohibited in Ghana under laws dating back to the colonial era. A similar bill passed by Parliament in 2024 failed to become law after former President Nana Akufo-Addo declined to sign it amid ongoing legal disputes.
President Mahama has previously expressed support for restrictions on LGBTQ+ rights, stating that he believes only two genders exist and that marriage should be exclusively between a man and a woman.
The move places Ghana among a growing number of African nations that have recently tightened laws affecting LGBTQ+ rights, including Senegal and Uganda, both of which have enacted stricter legislation in recent years.
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