The recent passage of a contentious bill in Ghana has sent shockwaves through the LGBTQ+ community, igniting widespread fear and uncertainty. As parliament voted to criminalise the identification and promotion of LGBTQ+ rights, activists warn that the new law could unleash a wave of discrimination and violence against a community already living on the margins.
A Grim Legislative Shift
On Friday, Ghana’s parliament approved a sweeping piece of legislation that imposes harsh penalties on anyone identifying as LGBTQ+. The new law stipulates prison terms ranging from three to ten years for those found guilty of promoting or even merely identifying with LGBTQ+ identities. The bill, known as the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, is expected to receive the signature of President John Dramani Mahama, cementing its status as law.
Activists and community groups have expressed alarm, noting that many individuals now fear losing their homes, jobs, and access to vital healthcare services. Leila Lariba, the director of One Love Sisters Ghana—an organisation dedicated to supporting lesbian and bisexual women—described the atmosphere of panic enveloping the community. “People are panicking and scared. The new bill affects where you are staying; it can get you evicted; it can lead you to lose your job,” she stated.
The Broader Implications of the Law
The legislation builds upon existing colonial-era laws, which had previously made same-sex relations illegal but were seldom enforced. Now, it extends criminal liability not only to those identifying as LGBTQ+ but also to allies and supporters. This includes anyone who offers services, advocacy, or even basic support to the community. The bill criminalises acts of solidarity, threatening severe consequences for those who dare to stand alongside LGBTQ+ individuals.
While amendments to the bill do exempt healthcare professionals and lawyers from prosecution for providing services to LGBTQ+ individuals, the stigma generated by the law is likely to deter many from seeking necessary help. “We believe the president will sign it,” Lariba warned, “and people out there are going to use this as a stepping stone to maltreat people and harass people.” The climate of fear is palpable, with individuals deleting online content that could expose their identities, unsure of who might report them under the new regime.
A Gift to the Conference
The timing of the bill’s passage coincides with Ghana hosting the fourth African inter-parliamentary conference on family values and sovereignty, running from 3-6 June. This event, the first of its kind in Ghana, aims to strengthen policies against “foreign” ideologies regarding gender and sexuality. The bill has been described as a “gift” to the conference, aligning Ghana with the growing trend of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation across the continent.
Ebenezer Peegah, director of Rightify Ghana, emphasised the far-reaching consequences of this law. He argued that it not only threatens the LGBTQ+ community but also undermines fundamental freedoms. “This bill criminalises identity; it criminalises services, including the operations of civil society groups and doctors giving care to the LGBTQ community,” he explained. “Our colleagues are asking how to get out of Ghana, but we also do not know how to help them because the international community no longer cares, especially with the Trump government.”
Rising Tide of Oppression
The wave of anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment is not confined to Ghana. Neighbouring countries are tightening their grip on LGBTQ+ rights as well, with Senegal recently doubling the maximum prison term for same-sex relations to ten years. Burkina Faso has also enacted laws criminalising homosexuality, further eroding the safety nets previously afforded to LGBTQ+ individuals in the region.
In response to the rapid legislative changes, a coalition led by Rightify is preparing to challenge the bill in court, arguing that it was rushed through parliament without proper quorum. International rights organisations, including Human Rights Watch, have condemned the legislation, warning that it not only endangers lives but also encourages citizens to surveil and report on one another.
Why it Matters
The implications of Ghana’s new law extend beyond its borders, representing a growing trend of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation across Africa that threatens to dismantle hard-won freedoms and rights. As nations increasingly align with repressive ideologies, the plight of LGBTQ+ communities becomes ever more precarious. The situation demands urgent attention from the international community, as the ripple effects of this legislation could inspire similar actions elsewhere, stifling voices of dissent and perpetuating cycles of fear and discrimination.