Ghana Parliament Passes Law Criminalizing LGBTQ+ Identity

Ghana's parliament has passed a law that makes same-sex relationships and LGBTQ+ identity criminal offenses. Under the new legislation, individuals who identify as gay, lesbian, or transgender can face imprisonment. The law now awaits the president's signature to take effect.

Ghana's parliament has passed a new bill that criminalizes same-sex relationships and the public expression of LGBTQ+ community identity. Under the law, those who identify as gay, lesbian, or transgender face imprisonment.

The new law represents one of the harshest anti-LGBTQ+ pieces of legislation in Africa. Same-sex sexual activity was already prohibited by law in Ghana, but the new bill extends criminalization to identity and the public expression of related conduct.

International human rights organizations have sharply criticized the bill, calling it a violation of fundamental human rights and personal freedoms. Critics warn that the law creates grounds for persecution and forces vulnerable people deeper into hiding.

Ghana is one of several African countries that has enacted or strengthened anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in recent years. Similar measures have been implemented in Uganda, where a law passed in 2023 sparked international outcry and led to sanctions from several Western countries.

The bill now awaits the president's signature. If the president signs it, the law will come into force, and conditions for LGBTQ+ people living in Ghana will deteriorate significantly.