Ghana’s lawmakers have reintroduced an Anti-LGBTQIA+ Bill that was previously dismissed by the Supreme Court during the end of former President Nana Akufo-Addo’s term. This This new bill furthers the existing disapproval of same sex relations as it remains illegal in Ghana, with up to three years in prison. The new bill furthers anti-LGBTQIA+ sentiment throughout the country by proposing five to 10 years of prison for advocates and promoters of LGBTQIA+ activities. Furthermore, the bill could cost Ghana up to $3.8 billion in World Bank funding and impact its existing $3 billion program support by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Local and international groups are concerned with the reintroduction of this bill and warn that passing the bill could erode the rule of law and increase violence against LGBTQIA+ people. Moreover, opposition lawmakers believe that given the global political climate, Ghana will not face sanctions for advancing this bill.
Compiled from: Thomas Naadi and Jake Lapham, “Ghanaian MPs reintroduce controversial anti-LGBT bill,” BBC News, Mar. 4, 2025; and Francis Kokutse, “Lawmakers in Ghana reintroduce an anti-LGBTQ+ bill that sparked criticism,” AP News, Apr. 17, 2025.