ACCRA, Ghana — Ghana’s parliament has passed a controversial bill that criminalises homosexuality and the promotion of LGBTQ+ activities, drawing criticism from international human rights organisations.
The legislation prescribes prison terms of up to three years for individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer. It also introduces a “duty to report,” requiring citizens to inform authorities about prohibited acts under the law.
Okay News reports that the bill was sponsored by Ghanaian lawmaker Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, who defended the legislation as necessary to protect Ghanaian family and cultural values. He said the measure would strengthen existing laws against same-sex relationships, which have remained illegal in the country since the colonial era.
The proposed law also targets individuals considered allies or supporters of LGBTQ+ rights, although exemptions were included for journalists, healthcare workers and legal professionals carrying out their duties.
President John Dramani Mahama is yet to sign the bill into law, but he has previously expressed support for traditional definitions of gender and marriage. Religious groups in the country have also intensified pressure on the government to tighten anti-LGBTQ+ laws.
Human Rights Watch and other advocacy organisations condemned the legislation, warning that it could endanger the safety of LGBTQ+ individuals and encourage public surveillance and intimidation.
The development follows similar crackdowns on LGBTQ+ rights across parts of Africa, including recent legislation in Senegal and Uganda.
