Ghanaian lawmakers have reintroduced an anti-LGBTQ+ bill that was passed by parliament last year but was not enacted, a sponsor confirmed on Monday.
The bill, initially approved by lawmakers in 2024, was not signed into law by former President Nana Akufo-Addo, who awaited a Supreme Court ruling on a legal challenge. The court dismissed the challenge in December, following Akufo-Addo’s unsuccessful re-election bid.
Ghana, often regarded as a nation that upholds human rights more than many African countries, faced international criticism over the legislation. The United Nations labelled it “profoundly disturbing” when it was first passed.
Currently, gay sex is illegal in Ghana and carries a three-year prison sentence. If enacted, the new bill would extend penalties, imposing up to five years in prison for individuals who engage in the “willful promotion, sponsorship, or support of LGBTQ+ activities.”
President John Dramani Mahama, who assumed office in January 2025, recently stated his commitment to passing the bill. However, he emphasized that it should be formally reintroduced by the government rather than individual parliament members.
The reintroduction of the bill has reignited debates on LGBTQ+ rights, legal frameworks, and Ghana’s international standing regarding human rights policies.
