The Ghanaian parliament approves a new version of a law against LGBTQ+ rights. International media, including the British broadcaster BBC, reported this on Friday. The law criminalizes sex between people of the same sex, with a maximum prison sentence of three years.
In addition, the law prohibits “financing, supporting or promoting” “LGBTIQ+ activities.” Prison sentences of between three and five years can be imposed for this. Citizens who observe prohibited activities must also report this to the authorities. Those who fail to do so can face up to three years in prison.
The Ghanaian parliament approved an earlier version of the law in 2024, but it was never implemented. The then president refused to sign it due to legal concerns. Furthermore, the Ghanaian Ministry of Finance warned that the law major financial consequences could have, because the World Bank might cut off millions of dollars in financial support. Current President John Mahama resigned earlier positive about signing the law.
When Uganda passed similar anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in 2023, the World Bank quickly imposed sanctions. The international bank did not grant permission for loans to Uganda for more than two years. The country would have lost about 470 million to 1.7 billion dollars. In the summer of 2025, the World Bank allowed the loans again. Since the introduction of the law in Uganda, hundreds of LGBTIQ+ people have been evicted from their homes, become victims of violence or have been arrested.
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