GHANA’S LGBTQ+ community faces an impossible choice in the country’s December 7 general elections, as leading presidential candidates pledge to toughen anti-LGBTQ+ laws to capitalise on the nation’s deeply entrenched anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment.
The election coincides with the anticipated decision on a controversial anti-LGBTQ+ bill passed by parliament earlier this year. If enacted, the law would impose severe penalties on anyone identifying as LGBTQ+ or supporting LGBTQ+ rights, including up to five years in prison for same-sex acts and penalties for non-reporting by friends and family.
Presidential candidates stoking anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment
The ruling New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) candidate, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, has explicitly vowed to sign the bill into law if elected. Opposition leader and former president John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has not stated his position as clearly. However, he has repeatedly called for tougher measures against LGBTQ+ activities, alleging undue Western influence in promoting LGBTQ+ rights in Ghana.
‘LGBTQ+ individuals are left feeling betrayed,’ Abena, an LGBTQ+ activist told Thomson Reuters Foundation, adding, ‘Our votes will empower people who promise to criminalise us.’
Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill intensifies public hostility
The proposed legislation has amplified already widespread homophobic attitudes in Ghana. Passed in parliament earlier this year, the bill is now under judicial review, with the Supreme Court set to rule on its constitutionality on December 18.
The bill’s provisions include criminalising non-binary identities, punishing advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, and imposing penalties on family members and landlords who fail to report LGBTQ+ individuals. Religious groups and community leaders have rallied behind the bill, describing homosexuality as ‘immoral’ and a threat to Ghanaian culture.
Michael Akagbor, a senior human rights officer at the Centre for Democracy and Development Ghana, warned that the bill has further emboldened acts of violence and discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals. ‘Even without becoming law, the bill has deepened public hostility and increased attacks against LGBTQ+ persons,’ he said.
Human rights advocates sound alarm
LGBTQ+ advocates have raised concerns over the potential consequences if the law is enacted. Hans Burinyuy, communications director at LGBT+ Rights Ghana, highlighted how the bill has already driven many LGBTQ+ individuals into hiding and caused significant disruptions to their lives.
‘The provision that criminalises family and friends for not reporting LGBTQ+ individuals has led to job losses, evictions, and interrupted education,’ Burinyuy explained. ‘If signed into law, it will further limit professional opportunities for LGBTQ-friendly advocates and educators like me.’
Burinyuy also noted that maintaining personal safety now requires extreme caution. ‘Interactions and personal disclosures have become fraught with danger,’ he said.
International backlash and economic implications
The international community has strongly condemned the bill. The European Union labelled its passage in parliament ‘profoundly disturbing,’ stating that it contravenes Ghana’s constitution and international human rights commitments.
Domestically, concerns have also been raised over the financial repercussions of passing the bill. Ghana’s Ministry of Finance has warned of potential donor funding losses, a critical source of revenue for the nation, if the legislation is enacted.
