Currently, same-sex relationships in Ghana are punishable by up to three years in prison. The new bill proposes increasing the maximum sentence to five years and criminalising the “promotion, sponsorship, or support” of LGBTQ+ activities. Critics say this could lead to the prosecution of activists, journalists, and even individuals offering assistance to LGBTQ+ people.

Parliament first approved the bill in February 2024, but former President Nana Akufo-Addo did not sign it before leaving office. Now, 10 lawmakers have brought it back, though its future remains uncertain under new President John Dramani Mahama, who has suggested preferring a government-led approach to legislation.

Ghanaian trans woman and LGBTQ activist Va-Bene Elikem Fiatsi told Reuters that the bill’s reintroduction was "disheartening and hard to process." However, she affirmed that pro-LGBTQ activism would continue.

Meanwhile, Ghana’s finance ministry has warned that enacting the law could jeopardise billions in international funding, including $3.8 billion from the World Bank and a $3 billion IMF loan package. Despite these concerns, supporters of the bill argue that it reflects Ghanaian cultural and religious values, insisting that foreign institutions should not interfere in the country’s laws.