Accra, Ghana – A bill criminalising LGBTQ activity and its promotion, advocacy, and funding was passed by Ghanaian lawmakers on Wednesday, sparking strong reactions both domestically and internationally. The contentious bill, which has been the subject of discussion for almost three years, is now pending President Nana Akufo-Addo’s approval to be enacted.
The bill, known as the “Promotion of Proper Human Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, 2021,” is facing strong resistance from human rights organisations that claim it infringes on basic human rights and freedoms. “This bill is a clear assault on the LGBTQ+ community in Ghana,” stated John Doku, who leads a local organisation advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. “It creates an atmosphere of fear and discrimination, and it could have devastating consequences for the lives and safety of LGBTQ+ Ghanaians.”
Even with last-minute efforts from a ruling party member to suggest changes, the bill was approved as is. Member of Parliament Ama Serwaa expressed deep disappointment over the speaker’s choice to turn down the suggested changes.
The bill outlines prison sentences that vary from six months to three years for individuals who break the law, while those who promote or sponsor the offences will face even more severe consequences. This development occurred only a year following Uganda’s implementation of one of the most severe anti-LGBTQ laws globally, with penalties such as the death sentence for specific same-sex activities.
Human rights advocates have called on President Akufo-Addo to reject the bill. “We call on the President to uphold Ghana’s international human rights obligations and reject this discriminatory bill,” said an activist from UK-based Movement for Justice. “This bill sets a dangerous precedent and undermines the progress Ghana has made in recent years towards a more inclusive and democratic society.”
There have also been a flurry of diverse opinions online.
“Moral police, there is no sense in passing the bill . Leave people to choose their sexuality as far as it doesn’t harm anyone,” Agyeman Kwaku said on Facebook.
But Blessing On Blessing disageed “Way to go, Ghana. Africa and African should not allow the West to impose abomination on us and our society. We have to stand up against these devilish practices and reject them all. Those are not the days of slavery anymore,” they commented.
This is supported by Emiliano Juan Dani, who says the countries priorities are different from what the West wants “Tell the westerners that Ghanaians need job and good roads and electricity not same sex, if they want us to allow it in Ghana then they should also allow Ghanaian to carry marijuana and coicain with them to Europe and America, good they should also allow the eating of cat and dogs in their lands, allow polygamy too if they can do that then good.”
It remains unclear whether President Akufo-Addo will sign the bill into law. Nevertheless, his choice is expected to face considerable examination from both local and global observers.
Mimi Mefo Info
