**
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the nation’s LGBTQ+ community, Ghana’s parliament has approved a draconian new bill that criminalises both the identification as and promotion of LGBTQ+ activities. With prison sentences looming—up to three years for mere identity and up to ten years for advocacy—activists warn that this legislation will wreak havoc on lives, livelihoods, and basic human rights. The bill’s ratification by President John Dramani Mahama appears imminent, intensifying fears of widespread persecution.
A Dark Shadow Over Ghana
The passage of this legislation has plunged Ghana’s LGBTQ+ community into a state of panic. Community leaders report that individuals are frantically deleting digital footprints to safeguard their identities, fearing that any online trace could lead to dire consequences. Leila Lariba, director of One Love Sisters Ghana, a group supporting lesbian and bisexual women, expressed the gravity of the situation: “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.”
The fear is palpable, with many unsure of who they can trust. Lariba cautioned that even seemingly innocuous social media posts could put individuals at risk. “We have advised people to prioritise their safety online and offline. If they have content on their social media pages that could put them at risk, we are encouraging them to remove it,” she said. This desperate scramble for safety underscores the chilling effect of the impending law.
The Law’s Far-Reaching Implications
Though same-sex relations have long been outlawed in Ghana, the new legislation takes a far broader approach, expanding the scope of criminality to include not just LGBTQ+ individuals but also their allies—those who dare to provide support or advocacy. The bill mandates prison terms for anyone identifying as LGBTQ+ and enforces penalties for those who promote, advocate for, or even fund LGBTQ-related activities.
Activists have raised alarms about the broader implications of this legislation, which could silence not only LGBTQ+ voices but also those of healthcare providers and civil society organisations. Amendments to the bill ostensibly protect healthcare professionals and lawyers from prosecution for assisting LGBTQ+ individuals. Still, many fear the stigma it generates will deter necessary medical care, particularly concerning HIV testing and treatment. “We believe the president will sign it,” Lariba stated, foreseeing an escalation of harassment and abuse in the wake of the bill’s passage.
A Gift to the Conference
The bill was passed during a particularly significant week as Ghana hosted the fourth African inter-parliamentary conference on family values and sovereignty. This conference, taking place from June 3-6, is a platform for lawmakers across the continent to discuss and promote anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. The legislation is seen as a “gift” to the conference, which aims to propose an African charter that dismisses “harmful gender ideologies” as foreign threats to African culture.
Ebenezer Peegah, director of Rightify Ghana, warned that the impact of this bill extends well beyond Ghana’s borders. “This bill is very far-reaching: it criminalises identity; it criminalises services, including the operations of civil society groups and doctors giving care to the LGBTQ+ community,” he asserted. He noted that the legislation could lead to a culture of surveillance where citizens are encouraged to report suspected LGBTQ+ individuals, creating an atmosphere of fear and mistrust.
Rising Anti-LGBTQ+ Sentiment Across Africa
Ghana’s new law is part of a worrying trend across West Africa, where anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment is rising sharply. In March, Senegal enacted legislation doubling the maximum prison sentence for same-sex relations, while Burkina Faso followed suit last year by criminalising homosexuality altogether. Activists are bracing for a broader regional backlash against LGBTQ+ rights.
A coalition led by Rightify is preparing to challenge the Ghanaian law in court, arguing that the rapid passage of the bill undermined democratic processes. International rights organisations, including Human Rights Watch, have condemned the legislation, stating that it puts lives at risk and encourages a culture of surveillance and denunciation among citizens.
Why it Matters
The implications of Ghana’s new law extend far beyond its borders, signalling a troubling shift in the treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals across Africa. As the international community watches, the potential for increased violence, discrimination, and stigma looms large. This legislation not only endangers the lives of countless individuals but also threatens the fundamental freedoms of humanity itself. The battle for LGBTQ+ rights in Ghana is far from over, as activists brace for a fight against a system that seeks to erase their existence.
