The United Kingdom has issued a firm statement urging Ghana to reconsider its proposed anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, known as the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill. The bill, which has advanced through parliament, would impose severe penalties for same-sex relationships and advocacy. In a press release, the UK Foreign Office described the legislation as incompatible with international human rights obligations, reaffirming London’s commitment to global equality standards.
The statement, published on Tuesday, follows weeks of diplomatic pressure from international organisations and human rights groups. The UK government emphasised that it stands ready to offer technical assistance to ensure Ghana’s laws align with its commitments under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The bill’s proponents argue it protects traditional values, but critics warn it could jeopardise aid and investment from Western partners.
Ghana’s parliament passed the bill in February 2024 after years of debate. It now awaits presidential assent. President Nana Akufo-Addo has not indicated whether he will sign it into law, though he has previously expressed reservations. The bill prescribes prison sentences of up to three years for those convicted of engaging in same-sex acts and up to ten years for promoting LGBTQ+ rights. Human Rights Watch has called it one of the most repressive such laws in Africa.
The UK’s intervention is the latest in a series of diplomatic moves by Western governments. The United States, the European Union, and the United Nations have also voiced opposition. The bill has faced domestic backlash from civil society groups, who note that Ghana’s constitution guarantees equality and freedom from discrimination. Some legal experts argue that if enacted, the law would be subject to constitutional challenge.
The Foreign Office statement stopped short of threatening sanctions but noted that the UK regularly raises human rights concerns with partner nations. It added that the government is monitoring the situation closely. The bill’s advocates, however, have accused Western nations of cultural imperialism, asserting that Ghana must be free to define its own social policies. The debate reflects a broader tension between international human rights norms and domestic legal sovereignty.
For now, the bill’s fate remains uncertain, with President Akufo-Addo facing pressure from both sides. The UK’s reaffirmation of its human rights stance signals that the issue will remain a sticking point in bilateral relations. As the world watches, Ghana’s choice will resonate far beyond its borders.
