In a move that has sent shockwaves through the international community, Ghana’s parliament has passed one of the most stringent anti-LGBTQ+ bills in Africa, criminalising not only same-sex relationships but also advocacy and support for LGBTQ+ rights. The bill, officially titled the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, imposes prison sentences of up to five years for those convicted of engaging in same-sex acts and up to ten years for promoting such activities. This includes funding, publishing, or even offering therapy to LGBTQ+ individuals.
The passage of this bill represents a stark departure from the Commonwealth’s stated commitment to human rights and equality. Ghana, a member of the Commonwealth, has long been viewed as a stable democracy in West Africa, and its recent actions threaten to undermine the values of tolerance and inclusivity that the organisation purports to uphold.
But what does this mean for ordinary Ghanaians? On the streets of Accra, the mood is divided. For many religious and conservative groups, the bill is a triumph. They argue it protects traditional family structures and Ghanaian culture from Western influence. Kwame Adu, a pastor in Accra, expressed relief: “This law safeguards our children. We do not want foreign ideologies corrupting our society.”
For the LGBTQ+ community and their allies, however, the bill is a devastating blow. Activists fear a surge in vigilantism and discrimination. A young woman who asked to remain anonymous told me, “I am terrified. My neighbours already suspect me. Now they have the law on their side.” The psychological toll is immense, with reports of increased anxiety and plans to flee the country.
The economic consequences could be severe. Western donors and investors have warned that such legislation may jeopardise aid and trade. The World Bank and International Monetary Fund have previously withheld funding from countries with similar laws. Ghana, which is already navigating debt restructuring, cannot afford to alienate its international partners.
This law also isolates Ghana within the Commonwealth, which includes countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia where LGBTQ+ rights are protected. The organisation’s charter explicitly condemns discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. Ghana now stands at odds with a growing consensus.
The human cost is immeasurable. Beyond legislative texts and international relations, real lives are altered. Families are torn apart. Individuals live in fear. The cultural shift here is not just about laws but about the soul of a nation. As Ghana’s president considers whether to sign the bill into law, the world watches. Will he uphold the values of his people or the values of humanity?
Clara Whitby, Culture & Society Editor
