Ghana Parliament Passes Bill Criminalizing Homosexuality and LGBTQ+ Promotion

The parliament of Ghana has passed a legislative proposal that criminalizes homosexuality and the promotion of LGBTI activities. The bill now awaits the final signature of President John Dramani Mahama to become law.

Stricter Penalties and Mandatory Reporting

Under the proposed legislation, individuals who are openly LGBTI could face a prison sentence of up to three years. The law significantly increases penalties for those who promote, support, or finance LGBTI activities, with maximum prison terms of ten years.

The bill also introduces a mandatory reporting requirement, forcing citizens to report violations of these regulations to the police. Those identified as “supporters” of LGBTI rights may face criminal prosecution.

Did You Know? Homosexual acts are already prohibited in Ghana under a colonial-era law, but this new legislation significantly expands those criminalizations.

Cultural Drivers and Human Rights Concerns

The initiator of the law, Member of Parliament and Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, stated that these measures are necessary to protect Ghanaian cultural norms and family values. This push for stricter legislation has been supported by several religious leaders within the country.

Conversely, Human Rights Watch has warned that the law could lead to severe violations of fundamental rights and increased discrimination against sexual minorities. Reports from 2023 indicate that LGBTI individuals, including queer artist Angel Maxine, have already experienced rising levels of hate and violence.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the inclusion of penalties for “financing” and “supporting” activities creates a broad legal risk that extends beyond the individuals themselves to include any entity or person providing resources, potentially complicating the operational landscape for international organizations.

Regional Trends and Legislative History

This move aligns Ghana with a growing number of African nations tightening laws on homosexuality. Currently, homosexual acts are banned in more than 30 of the 54 African countries.

Hon. John Ntim Fordjour rejects "fresh dialogues" for Anti-LGBTQ bill, calls for 24-hour passage

While some nations impose long prison sentences, others, such as Somalia, Mauritania, and Uganda, may apply the death penalty. This legislative effort follows a previous version of the law passed in 2024, which was not signed by then-President Nana Akufo-Addo.

Potential Future Developments

The next critical step is the decision by President John Dramani Mahama regarding the signing of the bill. If signed, the law could lead to a surge in police reports due to the mandatory reporting clause.

The implementation of these penalties may likely result in increased legal challenges or heightened scrutiny from international human rights organizations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary penalties introduced by the new bill?
The bill proposes up to three years in prison for being openly LGBTI and up to ten years for promoting, supporting, or financing LGBTI activities.

Who is the main proponent of this legislation?
The law was initiated by Member of Parliament and Reverend John Ntim Fordjour.

How does this law differ from previous Ghanaian legislation?
While homosexual relations were already banned under colonial law, this new bill expands the criminalization to include promotion, financing, and the support of LGBTI rights, while introducing a mandatory reporting requirement.

How might these legislative changes impact the broader social and legal climate for international entities operating in the region?