• Ghana’s parliament passed a bill criminalizing LGBTQ promotion and same-sex relations.
• The legislation imposes prison terms of up to three years for individuals engaging in such acts.
• The bill awaits ratification by President John Mahama, who has indicated support for it.
• Human rights groups have condemned the bill for threatening fundamental freedoms.
• The legislation has reignited debate over cultural values versus human rights in Ghana.

On May 29, Ghana’s parliament approved the Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, which criminalizes the "promotion" of LGBTQ activities. This controversial measure is viewed as one of Africa's most stringent anti-LGBTQ laws and awaits President John Mahama's ratification to become law. Lawmakers had previously approved a similar version in 2024 under former President Nana Akufo-Addo, who did not sign it into law due to legal challenges, according to Reuters and Africa News.

The newly approved legislation mandates prison sentences of up to three years for individuals involved in same-sex relations and introduces harsher penalties ranging from three to five years for those found promoting or sponsoring LGBTQ activities. Additionally, the bill enforces a "duty to report" such acts to the police, further intensifying scrutiny on individuals within the LGBTQ community, according to BBC and Reuters.

Critics of the bill, including international human rights organizations, have expressed grave concerns, arguing that the law endangers LGBTQ individuals and erodes freedoms of expression and association. Religious leaders, however, support the legislation, claiming it aligns with Ghana's cultural values and social norms. Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, the bill’s sponsor, emphasized in Parliament the need to protect traditional family structures, according to Africa News and BBC.

As Ghana continues to grapple with societal views on LGBTQ rights, the pressure on President Mahama to ratify this bill reflects a growing divide regarding human rights versus cultural conservatism. The final decision awaits his endorsement, which remains uncertain amid the strong push from religious constituencies and ongoing international scrutiny, according to BBC and Africa News.