PRESSURE ON GHANIAN PRESIDENT TO SIGN ANTI-LGBTQ BILL – Bill approved in 2024, which intensifies a crackdown on the rights of LGBTQ
A lawmaker from Ghana’s ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Tuesday urged religious leaders and civil society groups to press President John Dramani Mahama to support and sign a controversial anti-LGBTQ bill once passed by parliament.
John Ntim Fordjour accused the opposition National Democratic Congress of reversing its stance on the legislation, which would rank among Africa’s most restrictive if enacted.
Ghana’s parliament approved the bill in 2024, which intensifies a crackdown on the rights of LGBTQ people and those accused of “promotion” and support of sexual and gender minority rights, expanding penalties to include prison terms, but it has not taken effect due to legal challenges and political delays.
The renewed debate comes as Senegal recently enacted a law doubling prison terms for same-sex relations to up to 10 years, underscoring a broader regional shift toward tougher legislation.
