Ghana’s parliament has passed a draconian anti-LGBTQ+ bill, criminalising same-sex relationships and even the act of identifying as gay. Sources confirm the legislation, which imposes prison sentences of up to three years for those convicted, is a direct challenge to the human rights principles the British Commonwealth claims to uphold. The bill, officially titled the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, was pushed through by a coalition of religious and traditional leaders.
It targets not only gay men and lesbians but also anyone who supports them, making it a crime to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. Punishments range from five to ten years for forming or funding LGBTQ+ groups. This is not simply an internal matter; it is a test for the Commonwealth, an organisation of 56 nations that includes the UK.
The Commonwealth Charter explicitly states that ‘we are committed to human rights and equality’. But time and again, member states like Ghana, Uganda and Nigeria flout these principles with impunity. The UK government, through its Foreign Office, has expressed ‘deep concern’ but has not threatened sanctions or expulsion.
Documents uncovered by this publication show that the British High Commission in Accra was aware of the bill’s progress but did not intervene forcefully. Critics argue that London’s reluctance to act stems from economic interests; Ghana is a key trading partner and a major recipient of UK aid. Meanwhile, Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo has not yet signed the bill into law, but sources close to his office say he is under immense pressure from the church and conservative MPs to do so.
If he signs, Ghana will join a growing list of African nations where being gay is a crime. The bill’s passage is a victory for homophobia, and a loss for the Commonwealth’s credibility. As one human rights lawyer told me: ‘The Commonwealth is a club where you can be a member no matter how many human rights you violate.
’ The question now is whether the UK and other member states will put their money where their mouth is, or whether they will continue to turn a blind eye to the persecution of a vulnerable minority. The bodies may not be piling up in the streets, but make no mistake; this law will kill. It will kill hope, it will kill dignity, and in some cases, it will literally kill those driven to despair.
And the Commonwealth will stand by, silent and complicit.
