Breaking: Ghana Passes Anti-LGBTQ Bill as President Mahama Faces Signing Decision |
Breaking — Africa ACCRA, GHANA — May 30, 2026 Ghana Parliament Approves Anti-LGBTQ Bill as President Mahama Faces Decision John Dramani Mahama to either sign it into law or face a political firestorm. The bill, which emerged from the Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee’s unanimous recommendation, mirrors legislation that passed in 2024 under Mahama’s predecessor, Nana Akufo-Addo — who never signed it amid legal challenges. This time, religious leaders pressured lawmakers from Mahama’s own National Democratic Congress to act. The measure maintains Ghana’s existing penalty of up to three years imprisonment for same-sex sexual acts, already among Africa’s most severe. It goes further: banning “funding, sponsorship or promotion” of LGBTQ activities with prison terms of three to five years. It also introduces a sweeping “duty to report” provision, criminalizing failure to notify authorities of prohibited LGBTQ conduct — carrying up to three years behind bars. Human Rights Watch has previously called Ghana’s anti-LGBTQ legislation “dangerous,” warning it would legitimize discrimination and enable violence against sexual minorities. International human rights groups are expected to intensify pressure on Mahama ahead of any signing decision. Mahama, who took office last year, now faces a difficult balance: signing the bill risks damaging Ghana’s standing with Western donors and human rights organizations; rejecting it could alienate religious constituencies critical to his political base. The vote comes as Ghana manages multiple compounding crises — including an Ebola outbreak response and the evacuation of hundreds of citizens from xenophobic violence in South Africa. The legislative move is likely to draw sharp international scrutiny in the coming days.
