Ghana tightens its grip on homosexuality: New law sparks controversy

Written by Omnia Hassan

Parliament adopted in GhanaA new bill called “Sexual Rights and Family Values” is being introduced, in a legislative move that would tighten penalties against homosexuality and its supporters, amid widespread local and international controversy over the law’s implications for freedoms and civil rights.

The adoption of the law comes at a time when several countries in West Africa are moving towards tightening laws related to issues of gender identity and sexual orientation, reflecting rapid political and social transformations in the region.

Stricter penalties

Under the new law, people who engage in same-sex relationships face up to three years in prison, while harsher penalties are imposed on individuals or entities that finance, sponsor, or promote activities related to homosexuality, with penalties ranging from three to five years in prison.

Supporters of the law see it as aiming to protect what they describe as traditional family and cultural values in Ghanaian society, while critics consider it a step that could lead to restricting individual freedoms and promoting discrimination against certain groups in society.

Exceptions for specific professions

Despite the increased penalties, the legal text includes special exceptions for certain professional categories, allowing lawyers, health sector workers, and journalists to continue performing their professional duties without being subject to legal prosecution, provided that this is within the scope of their professional work and the provision of necessary services or information.

This exception aims to ensure the continuity of legal, medical and media services without disruption, while maintaining the application of the new law as determined by the legislators.

Awaiting the president's signature

Although the parliament approved the bill, it has not yet entered into force, as it requires an official decree from the president to become fully effective.

Political and human rights circles inside and outside Ghana are following the next step of the presidency, especially since the law may raise wide-ranging discussions about the balance between the legislative sovereignty of the state and international human rights obligations.

changing regional context

This is not the first such move in Africa, where several countries maintain laws criminalizing same-sex relations, some dating back to the colonial era. However, the new Ghanaian legislation represents a significant escalation by expanding the scope of penalties to include supporters or financiers, making it one of the strictest laws in the region and placing Ghana at the center of a renewed regional debate on identity, values, and civil rights.