The passing of stringent anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in Ghana has drawn deep concern from the United States, which views it as a threat to constitutional freedoms.
Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the US State Department, expressed this concern, stating, “The bill would also undermine Ghana’s valuable public health, media, and civic spaces, and economy.”
The US has called for a review of the bill’s constitutionality.
The newly passed bill, approved on Wednesday, imposes severe penalties, including up to three years in prison for individuals identifying as LGBTQ+ and up to five years for those involved in forming or funding LGBTQ+ groups.
Criticism of the bill has come from various quarters, with organizations like Rightify Ghana strongly condemning it, describing it as regressive and posing a serious threat to the rights and freedoms of LGBTQ+ individuals in the country.
Winnie Byanyima, executive director of UNAids, warned that the bill, if enacted, could incite violence against LGBTQ+ citizens and obstruct access to essential services, undermining social protection and jeopardizing Ghana’s development progress.
Per Ghana’s constitution, the bill will be presented to President Nana Akufo-Addo, who will have seven days to notify the speaker of parliament whether he approves it. If he refuses, he then has 14 days to provide reasons, including provisions he believes should be reconsidered by parliament.
