A Ghanaian lawmaker has requested the replacement of prison sentences for homosexual activity with alternative punishments such as counseling. He argued that the current anti-LGBT bill could lead to an increase in sodomy within prisons. The legislation, sponsored by a coalition of Christian, Muslim, and traditional leaders in Ghana, is likely to be passed by most lawmakers and would result in up to 10 years of imprisonment for promoting LGBT rights.
Homosexual activity in Ghana is currently subject to a maximum of three years in prison. Ruling-party legislator Alexander Afenyo-Markin stated that incarcerating individuals for LGBT-related offenses would only exacerbate the issue and “worsen homosexuality and its promotion” in the country, ultimately defeating the purpose of the bill.
The bill, which is close to becoming law, also proposes the option of undergoing so-called conversion therapy in exchange for reduced sentences. Afenyo-Markin, the deputy leader of the ruling party in parliament, emphasized that he supported the bill but believed it should be more reform-oriented and humane. He expressed the view that imprisonment would be ineffective in addressing what he referred to as a “behavioral problem.”
The LGBT community in Ghana is already subjected to mistreatment and hostility, and the proposed legislation has caused heightened concerns among activists. While some Members of Parliament opposed the idea of replacing prison terms with non-custodial sentences, the bill was approved for another reading, during which amendments can be made.
To take effect, the bill requires presidential approval. President Nana Akufo-Addo previously stated that he would make a decision regarding the bill, without specifying whether he would sign it into law or not. Advocates aim to have the bill, which is considered one of the harshest towards the LGBT community in Africa, enacted by March.
In 2021, the United Nations warned that the law would establish “a system of state-sponsored discrimination and violence” against sexual minorities. In a separate incident, Uganda implemented severe anti-LGBT laws in May 2023, including the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality.” This move resulted in increased abuse against the LGBT community, prompting the World Bank to suspend new funding for the country.
(Reporting by Maxwell Akalaare Adombila; Editing by Bate Felix and Nick Macfie)
