The bill had earlier been passed unanimously by parliament in 2024, but former President Nana Akufo-Addo declined to sign it into law before leaving office.
Ghana’s Parliament has approved what is being described as one of Africa’s toughest anti-LGBTQ laws, despite widespread condemnation from human rights organisations and the international community.
The approval was announced on Friday during plenary proceedings in parliament, with the proposed legislation now awaiting assent from President John Mahama before it can become law.
The controversial “Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill” prescribes prison sentences of up to three years for individuals engaged in same-sex relationships, while persons accused of promoting, sponsoring, or intentionally supporting LGBTQ activities could face between three and five years imprisonment.
The bill had earlier been passed unanimously by parliament in 2024, but former President Nana Akufo-Addo declined to sign it into law before leaving office.
