The debate surrounding LGBTQ+ rights in Ghana has resurfaced with renewed vigor, following President John Dramani Mahama’s call for the reintroduction of the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, previously known as the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill. This bill, which had lapsed with the dissolution of the previous parliament, seeks to criminalize LGBTQ+ activities and promote what proponents consider traditional Ghanaian family values. President Mahama has emphasized the importance of the government taking ownership of the bill’s reintroduction, advocating for it to be presented as a government-sponsored initiative rather than a private member’s motion. This approach, he argues, would underscore the government’s unambiguous position on the issue and demonstrate its commitment to upholding what he describes as the moral fabric of Ghanaian society.
Mahama’s stance reflects a complex interplay of political, social, and religious factors. He has publicly affirmed his personal opposition to LGBTQ+ practices, citing his Christian faith and Ghanaian cultural values as the basis for his belief in the exclusivity of male and female genders and the sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman. This alignment with traditionally held views resonates with a significant portion of the Ghanaian population, where religious and cultural norms often influence public opinion on social issues. By championing the reintroduction of the bill, Mahama seeks to consolidate support from this segment of the population, while also navigating the potential international backlash that such legislation might attract. The international community has increasingly voiced concerns over the human rights implications of laws targeting LGBTQ+ individuals, creating a potential tension between domestic political considerations and international human rights standards.
The previous iteration of the bill, passed unanimously by Parliament in 2024, encountered a legal hurdle that prevented it from becoming law. A court injunction barred then-President Akufo-Addo from assenting to the bill, leaving its fate uncertain. With the change in administration and the subsequent expiration of the bill, a fresh legislative process is now required. President Mahama has already engaged with the Speaker of Parliament to initiate the process of reintroducing the bill, signaling his intent to prioritize this legislation within his agenda. This move sets the stage for renewed parliamentary debates and public discourse on the highly sensitive and polarizing issue of LGBTQ+ rights in Ghana.
The potential implications of the reintroduced bill are far-reaching. While proponents argue that it protects Ghanaian values and strengthens the traditional family unit, critics express concerns about its potential to marginalize and discriminate against LGBTQ+ individuals. The bill’s provisions could lead to criminal penalties, social stigma, and further discrimination against an already vulnerable population. Human rights organizations have warned against the bill’s potential to violate fundamental human rights, including the rights to equality, non-discrimination, and privacy. The international community is also likely to scrutinize the bill’s provisions and their impact on human rights in Ghana.
The reintroduction of the anti-LGBTQ+ bill in Ghana is not an isolated incident. Several African countries have witnessed similar legislative efforts aimed at restricting LGBTQ+ rights, reflecting a broader regional trend of growing conservatism on social issues. These legislative initiatives often draw upon religious and cultural arguments, portraying LGBTQ+ identities and practices as foreign imports that threaten traditional African values. However, these arguments fail to acknowledge the diversity of beliefs and practices within African societies and the historical presence of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities across the continent. The push for such legislation often exacerbates existing inequalities and vulnerabilities faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, making them targets of discrimination, violence, and social exclusion.
The renewed debate surrounding the anti-LGBTQ+ bill in Ghana highlights the ongoing struggle between those seeking to uphold traditional values and those advocating for greater inclusivity and human rights for all citizens. This complex and contentious issue will undoubtedly continue to shape the political and social landscape of Ghana in the years to come. The international community’s response to this legislative development, and the potential impact on Ghana’s international relations, will also be an important aspect to observe as the bill progresses through the legislative process. The outcome will have significant consequences for the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals in Ghana and will serve as a bellwether for similar legislative efforts across the African continent.
