Accra, Ghana: In a move that has drawn international condemnation, Ghana's parliament has passed a controversial bill that imposes severe penalties for LGBTQ+ activities, including up to three years imprisonment for those identifying as gay or lesbian and up to five years for promoting such identities. The bill, titled the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, now awaits presidential assent to become law.
President Nana Akufo-Addo has yet to indicate his position, but the legislation has been met with immediate pushback from human rights organisations and foreign governments. The United Kingdom, a key Ghanaian ally, issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to global human rights. A British Foreign Office spokesperson said: "The UK is steadfast in its support for the human rights of all individuals, including LGBTQ+ people. We urge Ghana to uphold international obligations and reconsider this legislation."
The bill reflects a growing trend across Africa where several nations have tightened anti-LGBTQ+ laws. Uganda recently enacted one of the harshest such laws, including the death penalty for certain offenses. Ghana's legislation criminalises the mere act of identifying as LGBTQ+ and makes it a crime to advocate for queer rights. It also imposes penalties on individuals who fail to report known LGBTQ+ individuals to authorities.
Data from Amnesty International indicates that over 30 African countries criminalise same-sex relations, many under colonial-era statutes. However, the new Ghanaian bill goes further by prohibiting what it terms "LGBTQ+ propaganda" and barring funding for LGBTQ+ organisations. The bill was sponsored by a coalition of religious and traditional leaders who argue that it protects Ghanaian cultural values.
The economic implications are significant. Ghana receives substantial foreign aid from Western nations, including the UK and the United States, which have repeatedly warned that human rights backsliding could affect trade preferences. The UK's trade with Ghana exceeds £1 billion annually, and any sanctions could impact Ghana's cocoa and gold exports. Analysts predict that if President Akufo-Addo signs the bill, Ghana may face reduced aid or trade restrictions under the UK's Trade Act.
Within Ghana, LGBTQ+ individuals face widespread discrimination and violence. Reports from Human Rights Watch document cases of mob attacks on suspected LGBTQ+ persons, police harassment, and denial of healthcare services. The new law would compound these dangers by forcing individuals underground, increasing their vulnerability to blackmail and extortion.
International pressure is mounting. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights called the bill "an assault on human dignity" and urged the president to veto it. Meanwhile, the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights has yet to issue a statement. Ghana is a signatory to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, which guarantees rights to privacy, health, and non-discrimination.
Academics have noted the political calculus. With elections approaching in 2024, President Akufo-Addo may sign the bill to shore up conservative support, but doing so risks alienating the international community. Conversely, vetoing the bill could be portrayed as opposing Ghanaian values. The bill was passed with a comfortable majority in parliament, reflecting broad political support.
For the UK, the response is part of a broader strategy to embed human rights in foreign policy. The government has faced criticism for inconsistency, however, particularly regarding its trade with other nations with poor human rights records. Green Party MP Caroline Lucas called for a "truly values-driven policy" that holds all nations to the same standard.
As the world waits for President Akufo-Addo's decision, the future of Ghana's LGBTQ+ community hangs in the balance. The legislation represents a significant challenge to global human rights frameworks and will test the resolve of nations like the UK to enforce their stated principles.
