A recent legislation passed by Ghana’s parliament has escalated efforts to suppress the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals and those advocating for non-traditional sexual or gender identities in the West African nation.
Previously, gay sex was punishable by a maximum of three years in prison. The new bill extends this to include a prison term of up to five years for the “intentional promotion, sponsorship, or support of LGBTQ+ activities.”
This legislation is among the strictest of its kind in Africa.
Reacting to the news, Angel Maxine, Ghana’s first openly transgender musician and LGBTQI+ activist expressed deep sorrow, stating, “My heart is broken and devastated at the moment. My pronouns are She/her/hers.”
The bill was backed by a coalition of Christian, Muslim, and Ghanaian traditional leaders.
After passing through parliament, the bill will be sent to President Nana Akufo-Addo for approval within seven days, as per Ghana’s constitution.
Akufo-Addo, who had refrained from involvement in the contentious debate, stated that he will respond once the bill is voted on by parliament.
In a statement, Winnie Byanyima, executive director of UNAIDS, voiced concerns that the bill, if enacted, would have widespread repercussions on public health and rights.
Byanyima warned that such punitive laws would fuel fear and discrimination, potentially leading to violence against fellow Ghanaians and impeding essential services and development progress in the country.
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