A group of 10 lawmakers in Ghana have reintroduced a highly contentious bill that aims to impose severe restrictions on LGBT rights in Africa.
The proposed legislation, which was initially passed by parliament last year but not signed into law by former President Akufo Addo, would prescribe a three-year jail term for individuals who identify as gay and five to 10 years for those who promote or advocate for LGBT activities.
The bill has been met with widespread condemnation from local and international human rights groups, who describe it as “draconian.”
President John Dramani Mahama has expressed support for the bill, but has suggested that it should be reintroduced as a state-sponsored bill to ensure broader support and consultation.
Supporters of the bill argue that it is necessary to preserve Ghanaian culture and family values, while rights groups warn that it would further erode the rule of law in Ghana and lead to increased violence against LGBT individuals and their allies.
The bill’s reintroduction has also raised concerns about its potential impact on Ghana’s economy, with the country’s former finance minister warning that it could result in the loss of up to $3.8 billion in development funding from the World Bank and affect its $3 billion IMF support program.
