Ghana's parliament has passed a sweeping anti-LGBTQ+ bill, criminalizing same-sex identity with up to three years in prison. The legislation also includes a "duty to report" banned acts to police.
Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, the bill's sponsor, said the legislation strengthens existing colonial-era laws and upholds Ghanaian family values.
The bill targets not only those who identify as LGBTQ+, but also allies - supporters of LGBTQ+ rights - who now face potential prison time.
Exemptions were carved out for legal, medical, and media professionals reporting on or providing services to the LGBTQ+ community.
Human Rights Watch condemned the bill, warning it endangers lives and encourages public surveillance.
President John Dramani Mahama has indicated he supports the bill, stating his belief that only two genders exist and marriage is between a man and a woman.
This follows a similar 2024 bill that former President Akufo-Addo failed to sign amid legal challenges.
The crackdown aligns with a broader trend across Africa. Senegal passed a similar law in March, while Uganda introduced the death penalty for certain same-sex acts in 2023.