Ghana's parliament passed a bill on May 29, 2026, that criminalizes same-sex activity and any promotion or advocacy of LGBTQ people [1].
The legislation represents a significant shift in the country's legal landscape, potentially endangering LGBTQ individuals and those who support them. By mandating the reporting of suspected violations, the law encourages citizen surveillance and increases the risk of targeted persecution.
Under the new measures, individuals found promoting or supporting LGBTQ activities face prison terms of up to 10 years [1]. The bill does not only target same-sex acts, but extends criminal liability to anyone providing support or advocacy for the community [2].
Furthermore, the legislation introduces a requirement for citizens to report suspected violations of the law to the authorities [3]. This provision effectively turns the general public into monitors of private behavior and speech.
Lawmakers and religious groups drove the push for the bill. These groups said the legislation is necessary to curb LGBTQ advocacy and align Ghana with traditional moral values [1].
The bill now sits with President John Mahama for his signature. While the measure has passed the legislative phase, it remains unclear if the president will sign it into law [2]. Reports indicate that Mahama has expressed some opposition to the measures in the past [2].
If signed, the law will codify a strict prohibition on LGBTQ visibility and support in Accra and throughout the country. The move follows a broader trend among conservative lawmakers in the region seeking to restrict the rights of sexual minorities through legal frameworks [1].
“Individuals found promoting or supporting LGBTQ activities face prison terms of up to 10 years.”
The passage of this bill signals a tightening of social and legal controls over individual liberties in Ghana. By criminalizing 'promotion' and 'support,' the law moves beyond regulating private conduct to policing public discourse and association. The mandatory reporting requirement creates a legal mechanism for state-sanctioned harassment, potentially isolating LGBTQ citizens and their allies from the broader community.
