Parliament passes new anti-gay laws in Ghana
The persecution of queer people continues.
The parliament in Ghana has approved a new bill criminalising homosexuality and the promotion of LGBTQ+ activities.
Under the proposed legislation, identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual transgender or queer can be punished by up to three years' imprisonment. The bill also introduces a "duty to report" prohibited acts to police.
The news laws require ratification by Ghana's president, John Dramani Mahama, before the can come into effect.
Religious leaders in the country have been pushing for stronger anti-gay laws. A similar bill was passed by Ghana's parliament in 2024 but was not ratified by then-President Akufo-Addo. Previous statements from President Mahama indicated that he is likely to accept the proposed bill and sign it into law.
What's life like for LGBTQ people in Ghana?
What's life like for LGBTQ people in Ghana? Let’s take a look at some of the key equality indicators.
Is homosexuality legal in Ghana?
Gay sex has been illegal in Ghana since the 1860s - a legacy of British colonialism.
The penalty is imprisonment for up to three years.
Are there anti-discrimination protections in place for LGBTQ people in Ghana?
There’s no anti-discrimination framework in place to protect LGBTQ people from discrimination based on their sexuality.
Discrimination and persecution is systemic.
Is there Marriage Equality in Ghana?
There’s no legal recognition of same-sex relationships.
What’s life like for LGBTQ people in Ghana?
Most of the anti-LGBTQ rhetoric in Ghana comes from Christian groups who say homosexuality is a sin. There is also a belief that the promotion of homosexuality is part of a Western agenda to spread European and US values in Africa.
LGBTQ people in Ghana face frequent abuse and discrimination, including blackmail, extortion, and violent attacks.
What’s the history of homosexuality in Ghana?
In the 18th and 19th century Asante courts, male slaves served as concubines.
The Nzema people had a tradition of adult men marrying each other, usually with a 10-year age difference. These marriage were called agyale – friendship marriages. The couple would observe all the social equivalents of a heterosexual marriage, a bride price was paid and a traditional wedding ceremony was held.
