A new anti-LGBTQ+ law in Ghana has opened a rift within the Commonwealth, with the British Foreign Office warning that such legislation could complicate ongoing trade negotiations. The law, which imposes prison sentences of up to 10 years for consensual same-sex acts, was passed by Ghana’s parliament on 28 February and awaits presidential assent.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy issued a statement expressing “deep concern” over the bill, emphasising that respect for human rights is a “core component” of the UK’s trade policy. “Our partnerships are built on shared values, including the protection of all individuals from discrimination,” Lammy said. The Foreign Office has indicated that it will raise the issue during the next round of UK-Ghana trade talks, currently scheduled for April.
Ghana’s government has defended the law, arguing that it reflects the country’s cultural and religious norms. President Nana Akufo-Addo has not yet indicated whether he will sign the bill into law, but his administration has signalled that it views the legislation as a matter of national sovereignty.
The row has exposed deeper tensions within the Commonwealth, a 56-nation grouping that includes many countries with restrictive laws on sexual orientation. Canada, Australia and New Zealand have joined the UK in condemning the bill, while several African and Caribbean members have remained silent or expressed support for Ghana’s position.
Critics argue that the law could damage Ghana’s international reputation and deter foreign investment. The World Bank and International Monetary Fund have previously linked aid and loan programmes to human rights commitments. In 2021, Uganda’s anti-gay law led to sanctions from the United States and the suspension of some World Bank funding.
For the UK, the dispute poses a delicate balancing act. London is seeking to deepen economic ties with Ghana, a stable democracy in a volatile region, while also upholding its stated commitment to LGBT rights. The Foreign Office’s intervention is seen as a test of whether the government will prioritise values over trade in its post-Brexit foreign policy.
Analysts note that the Commonwealth has historically struggled to enforce its own human rights principles. Its charter explicitly commits to “tolerance, respect and understanding” but includes no mechanism for punishing violations. The Ghana case could accelerate calls for reform, particularly from Western members who argue that the association must do more to defend its founding values.
Ghana’s bill also threatens to undermine efforts to promote soft power and cultural exchange within the Commonwealth. The UK’s BBC Media Action and British Council have programmes in Ghana that could be affected if the law is enacted.
The situation remains fluid. President Akufo-Addo faces a 30-day window to decide on the bill. If he signs it, Ghana will join a small group of Commonwealth countries, including Uganda, Kenya and Nigeria, which have tightened anti-LGBTQ+ laws in recent years. The outcome will have significant implications for the Commonwealth’s future relevance and the UK’s ability to project liberal values on the global stage.
