The Ghanaian parliament is once again debating the enactment of a massively restrictive anti-LGBTQ law. It was passed by parliament in 2024 but was not signed into law by the then-President Akuffo-Addo. His successor John Mahama, however, has already signalled that he would support the legislation.

The newly introduced bill considerably expands the criminal sanctions related to same-sex conduct and imposes up to three years' imprisonment for anyone who identifies as LGBTQ at all. It also provides for penalties for individuals and organisations that advocate for the rights of LGBTQ persons — including parents of LGBTQ children, teachers, journalists, doctors, and human rights defenders. Should the law be passed, it would also compel LGBTQ organisations to dissolve and would put donors and partner organisations at risk.

The Finance Ministry has repeatedly warned against enactment, as it could acutely jeopardise support for Ghana from other states. Various countries have strongly criticised the law and called on Ghana to uphold human rights and protect the fundamental rights of Ghanaian citizens.

In the view of many legal experts, both domestic and foreign, this law contradicts the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which Ghana has also signed. Ghana's Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice has likewise warned parliament that the law would violate the fundamental rights of Ghanaian citizens.