Ghana Lawmakers Reintroduce Controversial Anti-LGBTQ Bill

Ghanaian lawmakers have reintroduced a controversial anti-LGBTQ bill that, if passed, would impose some of Africa's harshest penalties on individuals engaging in same-sex acts and supporting LGBTQ initiatives. The proposal, which increases prison sentences and criminalizes advocacy, was initially approved in February 2024 but failed to become law due to former President Nana Akufo-Addo's inaction before leaving office. Current President John Dramani Mahama has expressed a preference for government-sponsored legislation, amid warnings from Ghana's finance ministry that enacting the bill could jeopardize $3.8 billion in World Bank financing and a crucial $3 billion IMF loan package. Despite growing international scrutiny and opposition from LGBTQ activists, some proponents argue that global political shifts favor conservative values. The bill's revival highlights ongoing cultural and political tensions in Ghana, where public polling indicates widespread opposition to LGBTQ rights. The future of the legislation remains uncertain, balancing economic implications against prevailing political ideologies.