Ghana MPs Resubmit Controversial LGBT Rights Bill.
A group of 10 MPs in Ghana has revived a controversial bill that would impose some of the strictest restrictions on LGBT rights in Africa.
The bill, which was initially passed by parliament last year, proposes harsh penalties for those who identify as gay. Under the legislation, individuals who identify as gay could face up to three years in prison, while those who promote or advocate for LGBT rights could be sentenced to between five and ten years behind bars.
While the bill was passed by parliament in 2024, the former president, Nana Akufo-Addo, declined to sign it into law before his term ended in January 2025, citing ongoing legal challenges. This has led to renewed discussions about the bill's future in the new parliament.
The Legislative Process
At the dissolution of the previous parliament in December 2024, all bills that had not completed the legislative process—including those awaiting the president's signature—were dropped. It remains unclear whether the new parliament speaker will allow the bill to be resubmitted for consideration.
Currently, gay sex in Ghana is punishable by up to three years in prison. However, if the bill passes, the penalties for promoting or advocating for LGBT rights would increase significantly.
Reactions from Human Rights Groups
The bill has been widely condemned by both local and international human rights organizations. Many argue that it is a step backward for Ghana’s progress on human rights, with some calling it draconian.
Neela Ghoshal, Senior Director of Law, Policy, and Research at Outright International, stated, “Ghana’s anti-LGBTQ bill tramples human rights, undermines family values of acceptance and unity, and risks derailing economic development and eroding democratic gains. Banning the very existence of queer people and their allies is unprecedented. The hostility this bill displays toward LGBTQ Ghanaians will put lives and livelihoods at risk.”
Human Rights Watch researcher Larissa Kojoué also warned that the bill "flies in the face of Ghana's long-standing tradition of peace, tolerance, and hospitality." She added that the law could lead to increased violence against LGBT people and their allies.
Va-Bene Elikem Fiatsi, a Ghanaian trans woman and LGBT activist, expressed her dismay at the bill’s reintroduction, calling it "disheartening and hard to process." She emphasized that LGBT activism in Ghana would continue regardless of the legislative developments.
Economic Impact and International Response
One of the key concerns raised by critics of the bill is its potential economic impact. Ghana’s former finance minister warned that passing the bill could lead to the country losing up to $3.8 billion in development funding from the World Bank and could affect its $3 billion IMF support program.
Despite these concerns, some political figures, such as opposition lawmaker John Ntim Fordjour, believe that Ghana no longer needs to fear economic sanctions. He pointed to the election of Donald Trump as U.S. president as an example of how conservative values are becoming more widely accepted globally.
Cultural and Political Debate
Supporters of the bill argue that it is necessary to preserve what they consider Ghanaian culture and family values. However, former President John Mahama has suggested that the bill should be state-sponsored, with broader support and consultation from the public. He emphasized the need for national consensus before moving forward.
"I do think that we should have a conversation on it again so that all of us, if we decide to move that bill forward, move it forward with a consensus," Mahama said.
This bill, originally introduced in 2021, has faced several delays. As it moves through the legislative process again, it will likely continue to spark debates about human rights, culture, and Ghana's role in the international community. As of now, the future of the bill remains uncertain, and it is unclear how the new government will handle the controversial issue.
