Ghana Parliament Passes Sweeping Law Criminalizing LGBTQ+ Activities

Ghana’s parliament has passed a sweeping law criminalizing LGBTQ+ activities, marking a significant escalation in the country’s approach to sexual orientation and gender identity. The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, now awaits ratification by President John Dramani Mahama, who has yet to announce his decision. If signed, the legislation will impose penalties for same-sex relationships, the promotion of LGBTQ+ rights, and even the expression of support for such activities.

The bill, which received unanimous committee backing in the Ninth Parliament, preserves existing colonial-era laws that criminalize same-sex acts with up to three years in prison. It also introduces new provisions targeting the “promotion, funding, or sponsorship” of LGBTQ+ activities, effectively expanding the scope of prohibited behavior. Under the law, individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ or express support for their rights could face imprisonment, while legal, media, and healthcare professionals are exempt from prosecution if their work involves reporting on or treating LGBTQ+ individuals.

The legislation was spearheaded by Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, a Ghanian MP and religious leader, who argued that the law would “protect Ghanaian family and cultural values.” In a parliamentary address, Fordjour stated that the bill would “make existing laws more robust, more encompassing, and more stringent in dealing with the practices of LGBTQI.” His remarks reflected broader pressure from religious groups, which have long advocated for stricter anti-LGBTQ+ measures since Mahama’s presidency began in 2024.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has condemned the law, warning that it “places LGBTQ+ peoples’ lives at risk” and “encourages citizens to surveil and denounce one another.” The organization urged the government to abandon the legislation, citing its potential to exacerbate discrimination and violence against LGBTQ+ communities. International human rights groups and diaspora organizations have also raised alarms, emphasizing the law’s implications for Ghana’s reputation and its relationships with foreign governments and investors.

The bill is not the first of its kind in Ghana. A similar version was passed in 2024 but failed to take effect after legal challenges halted its implementation. The current iteration, reintroduced in 2026, has drawn sharp criticism for its broad definitions and punitive measures. Critics argue that the law could criminalize private, consensual relationships and stifle free expression, particularly in a country where LGBTQ+ individuals already face social stigma and limited legal protections.

President Mahama’s decision to sign or veto the bill will have far-reaching consequences. While the president has not publicly addressed the legislation, his administration has historically aligned with conservative religious interests. If he approves the law, Ghana will join a small but growing list of African nations with severe anti-LGBTQ+ policies, further isolating the country from international human rights frameworks. Conversely, a veto could signal a shift toward more inclusive governance, though it would likely face backlash from opposition groups.

The law’s passage has already sparked fear among LGBTQ+ communities. Reports from local activists describe “panic” and heightened anxiety, with many fearing increased harassment or detention. Advocacy groups have called for urgent legal and diplomatic interventions to mitigate the law’s impact, while diaspora networks have pledged to amplify global pressure on the Ghanaian government.

As the debate over the bill intensifies, its final fate remains uncertain. The coming weeks will test the resilience of Ghana’s LGBTQ+ community and the government’s commitment to human rights. For now, the law stands as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by marginalized groups in a region where progress on sexual rights remains uneven and contested.