On Wednesday, February 28th, Ghana’s parliament took a significant step by passing a bill that imposes severe restrictions on LGBTQ+ rights, sparking widespread condemnation from human rights activists. The legislation, one of the harshest of its kind in Africa, now awaits President Nana Akufo-Addo’s signature to become law. This move has intensified the debate around LGBTQ+ rights in the conservative West African nation, where gay sex is already illegal under colonial-era laws.
The bill introduces prison sentences of up to three years for individuals convicted of identifying as LGBTQ+ and up to five years for those involved in forming or funding LGBTQ+ groups. It also criminalizes the promotion, sponsorship, or support of LGBTQ+ activities, with penalties ranging from three to five years in prison. This legislation has been backed by Ghana’s two major political parties and a coalition of religious and traditional leaders, reflecting widespread support within the country.
Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have warned that the bill poses significant threats to the fundamental rights and freedoms of LGBTQ+ people. Activists fear that the legislation will lead to witch hunts against the LGBTQ+ community and those who advocate for their rights, forcing many into hiding. The United Nations body tackling AIDS has also expressed concern that the bill will exacerbate fear and hatred, potentially inciting violence against Ghanaian citizens and obstructing access to life-saving services.
The bill’s passage comes in response to the opening of Ghana’s first LGBTQ+ community center in Accra in January 2021, which was shut down following public protests and pressure from religious bodies and traditional leaders. The Christian Council of Ghana and the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council have stated that being LGBTQ+ is “alien to the Ghanaian culture and family value system.”
As Ghana awaits President Akufo-Addo’s decision on the bill, the international community watches closely. The legislation’s approval could have far-reaching implications for Ghana’s LGBTQ+ community and the country’s human rights record. Activists continue to urge the government to reject the bill, emphasizing the need to protect the rights and dignity of all citizens.
