A resurgence of contentious legislation in the Ghanaian Parliament has reignited discussions on LGBT rights in Africa, as a group of 10 MPs have reintroduced a bill that proposes stringent restrictions on the LGBTQ+ community. The bill, if enacted, would enforce severe penalties, including a three-year prison sentence for individuals identifying as gay, and five to 10 years for those advocating for LGBTQ+ rights.
Initially passed by parliament last year, the bill faced a roadblock when the former President, Nana Akufo-Addo, refrained from signing it into law before departing office in January, citing potential legal challenges. The proposed legislation has since garnered criticism from both local and international human rights organizations, with many denouncing it as draconian and a violation of fundamental rights.
As the previous parliament dissolved ahead of the general election in December, all pending bills, including the controversial LGBT rights bill, were left in limbo without the president’s approval. The fate of the bill now rests with the new parliament’s speaker, who will determine whether it will be considered for further deliberation.
In Ghana, homosexual acts are already punishable by up to three years in prison, reflecting the conservative stance prevalent in the West African country. President John Mahama has expressed his preference for the bill to undergo a comprehensive state-sponsored review to ensure broad support and inclusive consultation among stakeholders.
Supporters of the legislation argue that it is essential for preserving Ghanaian cultural values and traditional family structures. However, rights groups have strongly opposed the bill, asserting that it contradicts Ghana’s history of peace, tolerance, and human rights obligations on the international stage.
Critics fear that the bill could fuel discrimination and violence against the LGBTQ+ community, further undermining the rule of law in Ghana. Human Rights Watch researcher Larissa Kojoué has emphasized that such legislation could exacerbate the already challenging environment for LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies.
One Ghanaian trans woman and activist, Va-Bene Elikem Fiatsi, expressed dismay over the bill’s revival, describing it as disheartening. Despite the challenges, Fiatsi affirmed that LGBTQ+ activism would persist in the face of adversity.
Beyond the social implications, concerns have been raised regarding the bill’s potential economic impact on Ghana. A former finance minister warned that its passage could jeopardize crucial development funding from international institutions like the World Bank, potentially leading to significant financial losses for the country.
However, some lawmakers have downplayed these concerns, citing shifting global political dynamics. Opposition lawmaker John Ntim Fordjour highlighted the perceived support for conservative values in the international arena, referencing former US President Donald Trump as an example of this trend.
The journey of the bill through parliament has been marked by delays since its initial introduction in 2021, reflecting the complexity and sensitivity of the issue at hand. As discussions resume on this contentious legislation, the outcome remains uncertain, with divergent viewpoints shaping the debate on the
