Ghanaian lawmakers have reintroduced a stringent anti-LGBTQ bill, aiming to further criminalize same-sex relations and related advocacy.
The legislation, which previously stalled due to legal challenges, seeks to increase penalties for same-sex acts to five years in prison and impose jail time for promoting LGBTQ+ activities.
The bill, reintroduced on February 25th with ten sponsors, intensifies the crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights.
The reintroduction follows a prior parliamentary approval in February 2024, which did not result in presidential assent before a change in leadership.
President Mahama has expressed a preference for government-sponsored legislation.
Activists like Va-Bene Elikem Fiatsi have expressed dismay, but pledged to continue their advocacy.
The bill’s potential economic repercussions remain a concern. Last year, the finance ministry warned of jeopardized World Bank financing and a potential derailment of an IMF loan package.
However, supporters of the bill, citing a shift in the global political climate towards conservative values, maintain that Ghana should not fear economic sanctions.
Public opinion in Ghana has historically shown low tolerance towards LGBTQ+ individuals.