*The reintroduction of a stringent anti-LGBT bill in Ghana's new parliament has sparked discussion about cultural values, human rights implications, and potential economic repercussions.*
**Ghanaian Lawmakers Propose Strict Anti-LGBT Legislation As New Parliament Commences**
**Ghanaian Lawmakers Propose Strict Anti-LGBT Legislation As New Parliament Commences**
*Ten parliamentarians introduce a bill that seeks to criminalize LGBTQ+ identity and advocacy in Ghana amidst national and global condemnation.*
The reintroduction of a controversial anti-LGBT bill has been announced by a group of ten Members of Parliament in Ghana. This legislation is among the most severe constraints on LGBTQ+ rights in Africa, proposed to impose a three-year prison term for individuals identifying as gay, and five to ten years for those promoting or advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. Although a previous version of the bill was passed by parliament last year, it was not signed into law by former President Akufo Addo, who cited legal concerns as the reason.
This development has drawn significant criticism from various human rights organizations, both domestically and internationally, labeling the bill as draconian. The prior bill lapsed when the last parliament ended, and it remains uncertain whether the new parliament speaker will allow it for debate. Currently, gay sexual relations are punishable by three years in prison in Ghana, a country noted for its conservative stance on such issues.
President John Dramani Mahama has suggested that the proposed legislation should be state-sponsored to ensure wider support and public consultation, advocating for a dialogue around the bill to foster consensus if it is to be advanced. Proponents of the bill argue that it is crucial to maintaining traditional Ghanaian family values and culture.
Human Rights Watch researcher Larissa Kojoué has stated that the bill contradicts Ghana's longstanding tradition of acceptance and tolerance, while undermining international human rights commitments. Moreover, the potential ramifications of this legislation on Ghana's economy have raised alarms. Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta warned that the bill could jeopardize approximately $3.8 billion in development funding from the World Bank, as well as negatively influencing the ongoing $3 billion IMF support program.
In contrast, opposition lawmaker John Ntim Fordjour is confident that the nation need not worry about economic sanctions, referencing the conservative political shift in the United States under President Donald Trump, which he believes is favorable to traditional values. Initially introduced in 2021, the bill has faced significant delays throughout its legislative journey.
As the debate unfolds, members of the LGBT community, including activist Va-Bene Elikem Fiatsi, expressed concern and sadness over the bill's reintroduction, yet remain committed to continuing their advocacy efforts in the face of these challenges.
This development has drawn significant criticism from various human rights organizations, both domestically and internationally, labeling the bill as draconian. The prior bill lapsed when the last parliament ended, and it remains uncertain whether the new parliament speaker will allow it for debate. Currently, gay sexual relations are punishable by three years in prison in Ghana, a country noted for its conservative stance on such issues.
President John Dramani Mahama has suggested that the proposed legislation should be state-sponsored to ensure wider support and public consultation, advocating for a dialogue around the bill to foster consensus if it is to be advanced. Proponents of the bill argue that it is crucial to maintaining traditional Ghanaian family values and culture.
Human Rights Watch researcher Larissa Kojoué has stated that the bill contradicts Ghana's longstanding tradition of acceptance and tolerance, while undermining international human rights commitments. Moreover, the potential ramifications of this legislation on Ghana's economy have raised alarms. Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta warned that the bill could jeopardize approximately $3.8 billion in development funding from the World Bank, as well as negatively influencing the ongoing $3 billion IMF support program.
In contrast, opposition lawmaker John Ntim Fordjour is confident that the nation need not worry about economic sanctions, referencing the conservative political shift in the United States under President Donald Trump, which he believes is favorable to traditional values. Initially introduced in 2021, the bill has faced significant delays throughout its legislative journey.
As the debate unfolds, members of the LGBT community, including activist Va-Bene Elikem Fiatsi, expressed concern and sadness over the bill's reintroduction, yet remain committed to continuing their advocacy efforts in the face of these challenges.
