The Ghanaian parliament has officially passed a stringent anti-LGBTQ+ bill that imposes significant criminal penalties on individuals identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer. Under the new legislation, those who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community face up to three years in prison. Furthermore, the law introduces a mandatory “duty to report” provision, effectively compelling citizens to notify law enforcement of any prohibited activities, a move that critics argue fosters a culture of surveillance and mutual denunciation.

Proponents of the bill, including sponsor Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, maintain that the legislation is essential for preserving traditional Ghanaian family and cultural values. Supporters argue that these measures strengthen existing colonial-era statutes, making them more robust and comprehensive in addressing LGBTQ+ practices. While the bill includes specific exemptions for media, legal, and healthcare professionals providing necessary services or reporting on the subject, it also extends criminal liability to “allies” or supporters of the community, who could face incarceration for their advocacy.

President John Dramani Mahama, who has previously expressed his belief in a binary gender system and traditional marriage, is expected to ratify the bill. This development follows a pattern of legislative crackdowns across the African continent, with countries like Uganda and Senegal recently implementing or proposing similarly severe measures against same-sex relationships. International human rights organizations have strongly condemned the move, warning that the law places vulnerable individuals at significant risk and undermines fundamental human rights protections.