Ghana lawmakers move to revive anti-LGBTQ bill

Ghanaian lawmakers have reintroduced a controversial anti-LGBTQ bill, one year after it was passed by parliament but left unsigned into law.

The bill, first passed in February 2024, proposes prison sentences of up to five years for individuals who engage in or promote LGBTQ+ activities.

It also calls for a maximum 10-year jail term for those involved in LGBTQ+ advocacy directed at children and encourages the public to report suspected members of the queer community to authorities.

Sam George, an MP from Ningo-Prampram and one of the bill’s key sponsors, has defended the legislation as a means of upholding Ghana’s cultural values.

The bill was not signed into law by former President Nana Akufo-Addo before he left office in January.

His successor, John Mahama, has previously expressed support for conservative values but has indicated he would prefer a government-sponsored bill rather than one introduced by parliamentarians.

The reintroduction of the bill on February 25, backed by 10 lawmakers from both the ruling party and the opposition, has reignited debate over its potential economic and diplomatic consequences.

Ghana’s finance ministry had previously warned that passing the law could put at risk $3.8 billion in World Bank funding and jeopardise a $3 billion loan programme from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The US also raised concerns, urging a review of the bill.

However, opposition lawmaker John Fordjour dismissed fears of economic sanctions, citing recent policy shifts under former US President Donald Trump that rolled back diversity and inclusion measures.