ACCRA — Ghana’s Parliament has reintroduced a controversial bill that would criminalize ‘proper human sexual rights and Ghanaian family values,’ reigniting a fierce national debate about the direction of the West African nation’s social policy, its commitment to human rights, and the implications for its relationships with Western governments and international donors.
Under the proposed law, individuals who identify as gay or engage in same-sex conduct would face criminal penalties of up to three years in prison. Advocates and financers of LGBTQ+ activities would face stiffer sentences — between five and ten years behind bars.
Political Dynamics Behind the Bill’s Return
The bill’s revival is driven by a coalition of conservative religious groups, traditional leadership structures, and parliamentarians who argue that the legislation reflects the values of the overwhelming majority of Ghanaians. Public opinion surveys consistently show that between 75 and 80 percent of Ghanaians oppose homosexuality.
‘Ghana is not a colony,’ said Parliamentarian and bill co-sponsor John Ntim Fordjour. ‘Our values, our traditions, our family structures — they are non-negotiable. We will protect them with the full force of the law.’
Human Rights Organizations Sound the Alarm
Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and local Ghanaian rights groups have condemned the legislation. In a detailed report published in March 2026, Human Rights Watch said the bill ‘would create a system of persecution targeting people based on who they love or how they identify.’
‘This bill doesn’t just target a specific community — it targets anyone who believes in equality and human dignity,’ said Keita Dosse, Ghana researcher at Amnesty International.
International Relations and Diplomatic Pressure
The bill has also created friction between Ghana and several of its major international partners. The United States, which provides approximately $200 million annually in development assistance to Ghana, has indicated that the legislation could affect the continuation of aid programs.
The European Union has similarly expressed reservations, with the EU’s Ghana delegation issuing a joint statement with the Ghanaian Chamber of Mines warning that the bill could ‘undermine Ghana’s image as an open, investment-friendly destination.’
The Mahama Dilemma
President John Dramani Mahama, who assumed office in January 2025, has found himself in an increasingly difficult position. Sources close to the presidency suggest Mahama is leaning toward a Supreme Court referral, which would delay a final decision.
Health professionals have raised alarms about the bill’s potential to damage Ghana’s public health outcomes. ‘We will see people dying from preventable and treatable conditions because they are afraid to come forward,’ said Dr. Nii Otu Nartey, a public health specialist at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra.