Ghana’s parliament has reintroduced a controversial bill aimed at tightening the country’s stance on LGBTQ+ rights. Lawmakers confirmed the move on February 25, after an earlier attempt fell short due to legal challenges.
The proposed bill seeks to increase the prison sentence for same-sex sexual acts from three to five years. It also targets the promotion of LGBTQ+ activities, proposing jail time for those found guilty of endorsing or supporting such movements.
The bill, which had previously gained approval in February 2024, was not signed into law by then-President Nana Akufo-Addo before his term ended in January. His successor, John Dramani Mahama, has yet to give his stance on the bill.
Ten lawmakers are behind the reintroduced bill, with notable support from both the ruling party and opposition members. These lawmakers argue that the legislation is necessary to safeguard Ghanaian values and culture.
For LGBTQ activists like Va-Bene Elikem Fiatsi, the reintroduction of the bill is a harsh setback. Fiatsi, a Ghanaian trans woman, expressed her distress but vowed to continue the fight for LGBTQ+ rights.
The bill’s future remains uncertain, with Mahama preferring a government-sponsored law instead of one initiated by parliamentarians. The potential economic fallout from the bill has also raised concerns, as the finance ministry warned it could jeopardize billions in foreign aid.
Despite these challenges, some lawmakers argue that the global political climate, particularly under figures like former U.S. President Donald Trump, has created favorable conditions for conservative policies.
