Ghana’s Parliament has enacted new legislation criminalizing same-sex relationships, reinforcing existing laws from the colonial era. This legislation has intensified the legal framework against LGBTQI practices in the country.
Details of the New Law
The bill, sponsored by Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, aims to strengthen Ghanaian family and cultural values. During his address to Parliament, Fordjour emphasized the need for laws that are “more robust, more encompassing, and more stringent” against LGBTQI practices.
Penalties and Exemptions
- Individuals identifying as supporters of LGBTQ+ people could face imprisonment.
- Legal, media, and healthcare professionals are exempted, provided they report on LGBTQ+ issues or offer services to LGBTQ+ individuals.
Background and Context
The legislation follows a prior attempt to pass similar laws in Ghana. In 2024, a similar bill was proposed but was never signed into law by former President Akufo-Addo due to ongoing legal challenges.
Current President Mahama has expressed his support for the bill. Shortly after taking office, he stated a belief in traditional gender roles, emphasizing that marriage should only occur between a man and a woman.
Regional Trends in LGBTQ+ Rights
A wave of anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment has emerged across several African nations. For example:
- Senegal’s parliament approved legislation in March that imposes a maximum ten-year prison sentence for same-sex acts and criminalizes the promotion of homosexuality.
- Uganda introduced a death penalty for specific same-sex acts in 2023.
Human Rights Watch has criticized Ghana’s new law, urging the government to abandon the legislation. The organization submitted a formal request to the constitutional and legal affairs committee in Accra, highlighting concerns over human rights violations.
