Ghana's elections fuel anti-LGBTQ+ laws amid public outcry
- The leading presidential candidates in Ghana's upcoming elections all support strict anti-LGBTQ+ measures.
- A controversial bill proposing jail time for LGBTQ+ individuals and their associates is awaiting a Supreme Court decision on its constitutionality.
- The growing public sentiment against LGBTQ+ rights has led to increased violence and fears for personal safety within the affected community.
In Ghana, the general elections scheduled for December 7, 2024, have put the LGBTQ+ community in a precarious position as all prominent presidential candidates advocate for strict anti-gay legislation. One significant piece of legislation awaiting consideration includes severe penalties, including jail time, for individuals identifying as LGBTQ+. The ruling party candidate, Mahamudu Bawumia, is among those who have pledged to sign the bill into law, which reflects a growing trend of anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment within the nation. This public attitude is fueled by the religiously conservative backdrop of Ghana, where an Afrobarometer survey indicates that only 7% of the population shows any tolerance for same-sex relationships. The discussions surrounding the bill have heightened hostility against LGBTQ+ individuals, spurring protests from religious institutions demanding its passage. As the December 18, 2024, Supreme Court ruling on the bill's constitutionality approaches, the situation grows increasingly tense for the LGBTQ+ community. Many individuals feel compelled to conceal their identities due to a fear of social and legal repercussions. The bill proposes to penalize not only LGBTQ+ individuals but also their friends and family members who fail to report them, further isolating those within the community. This chilling effect has already manifested in escalating violence and intimidation directed at LGBTQ+ persons, as noted by human rights advocates. In addition, fears regarding the potential impact of the legislation extend beyond personal safety; the Ghanaian Ministry of Finance has indicated that adherence to such discriminatory laws could jeopardize international donor funding. Activists are particularly concerned about implications for their employment and educational opportunities if the bill becomes law, which may result in institutional discrimination against LGBTQ+-friendly individuals. However, as the election date approaches, many within the community are left wondering how to navigate a political landscape where all candidates exploit anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment for electoral gain. Ultimately, the upcoming Supreme Court decision and the general elections represent critical junctures for both political and social discourse in Ghana, with profound implications for human rights and the safety of the LGBTQ+ community in the years to come.