Ghana Approves Tough New Anti-LGBTQ+ Law
Ghana’s parliament has passed sweeping legislation that significantly tightens restrictions on LGBTQ+ activities across the West African nation.
The new bill makes identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer punishable by up to three years in prison. It also creates a legal obligation for citizens to report suspected violations to the police, raising fears of increased surveillance and community divisions in daily life.
Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, the lawmaker who championed the measure, described it as a necessary step to safeguard traditional family structures and Ghanaian cultural values. Supporters argue the legislation strengthens existing colonial-era laws by making them broader and more enforceable. Exemptions are included for certain professionals such as doctors, journalists, and lawyers when carrying out their duties, but allies or promoters of LGBTQ+ rights could still face penalties.
President John Dramani Mahama, who must sign the bill into law, has previously voiced support for traditional views on gender and marriage. This latest move follows a similar unsuccessful attempt in 2024, reflecting growing political and religious pressure on the issue. Human rights organizations have strongly condemned the development, warning it endangers vulnerable communities and could encourage harmful social monitoring.
The decision places Ghana among several African countries moving to restrict LGBTQ+ rights in recent years. As the bill awaits final approval, observers are watching closely to see how it will affect social harmony, international relations, and the daily lives of citizens in a nation already navigating complex cultural and legal landscapes.
