Ghana faces donor standoff over anti-LGBTQ+ bill

Ghana's parliament has passed a new law that criminalizes identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer. This legislation also punishes the promotion of LGBTQ+ activities with severe penalties. The bill imposes prison sentences of up to three years for identifying as LGBTQ+.

It significantly expands existing prohibitions by targeting advocacy and financial support for LGBTQ+ groups. Individuals promoting these activities face up to 10 years in prison. The law also requires citizens to report suspected violations to the police. This creates a legal duty for surveillance of private lives.

The passage of this bill aligns with a deeper trend of social conservatism in Ghana. Proponents say it protects Ghanaian family and cultural values against foreign influence. Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, the bill's sponsor, stated it strengthens existing anti-gay laws. Religious institutions have pressured President John Dramani Mahama to enact these stricter measures. President Mahama has signaled his support, emphasizing his belief in a binary gender system.

Human rights organizations are warning of serious consequences for LGBTQ+ individuals in Ghana. Human Rights Watch called the bill discriminatory and dangerous. It stated the law puts LGBTQ+ people at risk and encourages citizen denunciation. Activists fear the reporting mandate will create a climate of pervasive suspicion and fear. Critics argue the law violates fundamental constitutional freedoms and international human rights standards.

The legislation defines "ally" as someone who supports LGBTQ+ people, making them also potentially liable. However, exemptions exist for legal, media, and healthcare professionals. They are exempt when reporting on LGBTQ+ issues or providing related services. Commercial entities face penalties, with a five-year prison term for running brothels for prohibited sexual activity.

This legislative action follows a previous attempt to pass a similar bill that expired. The current law's passage has created a high-stakes economic standoff with Western donors. These countries often link aid and financial support to human rights records. The economic implications are significant. Potential impacts include reduced foreign investment and altered trade relationships. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has previously expressed concerns about legislation impacting human rights. Ghana is currently negotiating a new support program with the IMF. The passage of this bill could jeopardize these talks. The total value of potential funding at risk is substantial, though not precisely quantified in the source. However, significant donor funding is critical for Ghana's economic stability.