Ghana passes sweeping anti-LGBTQ law, among Africa’s strictest
The parliament of Ghana passed a sweeping anti-LGBTQ bill on Friday, positioning the country among the most repressive of Africa regarding sexual minority rights.
The legislation imposes up to three years in prison for individuals engaging in same-sex relations.
Those found guilty of promoting, sponsoring, or intentionally supporting LGBT+ activities face three to five years behind bars.
The text largely mirrors a 2024 bill that was unanimously approved by lawmakers but never signed by former President Nana Akufo-Addo. The vote of Friday renews the measure, which now awaits promulgation by current President John Mahama before becoming law.
Same-sex relationships have been technically illegal in Ghana under a colonial-era statute, though that ban has never been actively enforced in practice. Human rights groups have condemned the new bill as a severe escalation.
The government has not yet indicated when President Mahama will sign the text. If enacted, Ghana would join a handful of African nations with some of the harshest legal frameworks targeting LGBT+ individuals.
