The Parliament of Ghana has approved a controversial bill that seeks to impose stricter penalties on homosexuality and activities linked to the LGBTQ+ community, drawing strong reactions from human rights organisations and international observers. The legislation, which still requires approval from President John Dramani Mahama to become law, proposes prison terms for individuals identifying as LGBTQ+ as well as those accused of promoting related activities.
Under the newly approved bill, people identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer could face up to three years in prison. The legislation also introduces a “duty to report”, requiring citizens to inform police about prohibited acts or activities connected to homosexuality. Those considered “allies” or supporters of LGBTQ+ rights could also face imprisonment under the proposed law.
The bill has emerged amid growing pressure from religious groups and conservative organisations in Ghana, which have long demanded tougher action against homosexuality. Religious leaders intensified their campaign after Mahama returned to power last year, urging the government to uphold what they describe as traditional family and cultural values.
Speaking during discussions in Parliament, the bill’s sponsor Reverend John Ntim Fordjour defended the legislation, saying it was aimed at preserving Ghanaian moral and cultural principles. According to him, the bill would strengthen already existing laws and provide authorities with broader powers to act against LGBTQ+ practices and advocacy.
Same-sex relationships are already illegal in Ghana under laws that date back to the British colonial period. However, supporters of the new legislation argue that the current legal provisions are insufficient and need to be expanded to address what they describe as increasing promotion of LGBTQ+ activities in society.
The bill has, however, sparked criticism from several international organisations and rights groups. Human Rights Watch warned that the legislation could endanger the lives and safety of LGBTQ+ individuals in Ghana. The organisation stated that the proposed law encourages surveillance and creates fear by pushing citizens to report one another to authorities.
Human Rights Watch had earlier urged Ghana’s constitutional and legal affairs committee to abandon the legislation during the scrutiny process in Accra, arguing that it violates basic human rights and freedoms. Rights advocates have also expressed concern that the bill could lead to discrimination, social exclusion and increased violence against sexual minorities.
Despite the criticism, supporters of the legislation maintain that it reflects the views of a large section of Ghanaian society. President Mahama has previously indicated support for traditional definitions of gender and marriage. Shortly after assuming office, he stated that he believed only two genders exist — man and woman — and that marriage should remain exclusively between a man and a woman.
Ghana is not the only African country introducing stricter anti-LGBTQ+ measures in recent years. Senegal earlier this year approved legislation prescribing prison terms of up to 10 years for same-sex acts and criminalising the promotion of homosexuality. In 2023, Uganda introduced one of the world’s toughest anti-gay laws, including the death penalty for certain same-sex acts.
The bill in Ghana now awaits presidential assent, which will determine whether the controversial legislation officially becomes law.
