By Ebenezer Sasu
There are very few subjects in Ghanaian society today that have the emotive and polemical impact as homosexuality. The debates are frequently framed in terms of morality, culture, religion, and tradition. Some consider same-sex relationships to be ‘un-Ghanaian’ and worthy of strict punishment. Still others say all Ghanaians should have equal protection under the law, irrespective of their sexual orientation. But at the heart of the debate is a more fundamental question: must the LGBTQ+ community be punished for their sexual choices, or must they enjoy the same protection as straight people do?
Criminalizing identity or protecting society
Ghana currently prohibits ‘unnatural carnal knowledge‘ under its criminal code, which dates from colonial times and has frequently been used to criminalize same-sex relationships, specifically ones involving men. Although prosecutions under this law are rare, the social and legal threats remain real. The danger of arrest, violence, extortion, and public humiliation terrorizes LGBTQ+ people, inflicting deep emotional scars and trauma. Imagine living in constant fear of being arrested, attacked, or publicly humiliated simply for loving someone of the same sex. The question, therefore, is whether it is fair or just to send someone to jail not for hurting anyone else, but just for loving someone of the same sex? Ghana is a constitutional democracy that respects human rights, equality, and freedom of speech. These are enshrined in the 1992 Constitution, which guarantees the rights of all men irrespective of gender, religion, ethnicity, or belief. And don’t these rights apply to LGBTQ+ people as well?
Human Rights versus Culture
On the international stage, human rights organizations such as the United Nations and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights have urged governments to decriminalize same-sex relationships and protect LGBTQ+ people from violence and discrimination.
The rights of people who identify as LGBTQ+ in Africa are relatively curtailed compared to those in the Western part of the world. Out of the 54 African countries that are recognized members of the United Nations (UN), about 30 have laws that seek to criminalize LGBTQ+ activities. In Ghana, the criminal act has provisions that criminalize unnatural carnal knowledge.
At the centre of the debate is the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill 2025, which is currently before Ghana Parliament. The proposed bill has sparked intense national discussion, with supporters framing it as a protection of Ghanaian cultural and family values, while critics warn it could undermine fundamental human rights.
This bill seeks to criminalize the activities of people who are on the broad spectrum of the LGBTQ+ community and impose restrictions on their rights as humans, despite being a democratic country.
The most commonly cited reason for outlawing homosexuality is that it is “contrary to the Ghanaian culture.” But this argument isn’t without its questions: in this age and time, should culture ever be upheld if it tramples on others’ rights or promotes exclusion or violence?
Religion and culture have been assigned as the major basis for discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community in Ghana, as well as the notion that it is a Western import. There is a perspective that posits that tourists, expatriate workers, missionaries, and Ghanaians living abroad (believed to be brainwashed by Western culture) played a significant role in introducing LGBTQ+ activities to Ghana, luring and enticing young Ghanaians with gifts and promises of migrating them abroad.
In recent years, there have been multiple instances of people being arrested for engaging in consensual same-sex sexual activities. Most of these were brought to public attention through the media. Given the fact that Ghanaians are not tolerant and accepting of LGBTQ+ activities, these people were exposed to public ridicule and unfair judgment. For example, a court denied bail to 21 gay rights activists who were arrested for what law enforcement characterized as an unlawful assembly.
In 2021, the police in Ghana apprehended 14 people associated with the LGBTQ+ community during an event that they mistakenly believed to be a “lesbian wedding”. They were later released after it was confirmed that it was a birthday celebration.
Even though we know that many religious and cultural leaders reject homosexuality, there are also soft voices in communities who seek tolerance, sympathy, and understanding. Safeguarding the culture of the people should never result in the exclusion or endangerment of citizens. Authentic culture embraces humanity, unity, and respect, not fear and hate.
Who protects the vulnerable?
In all serious democratic societies, laws shouldn’t just mirror the majority’s views but protect minorities against abuse. LGBTQ+ individuals in Ghana are subjected to daily risks, some of which are eviction from one’s home, job losses, physical and verbal attacks on the streets, or on social media. When public officials call for punishment, not protection, they communicate a dangerous message that it is okay to treat some Ghanaians as less human. But justice cannot be selective. A country’s moral strength is tested by how it treats its most discredited members, not just the majority.
Ghana, as a proud democracy, has a unique opportunity to uphold its values and protect all citizens, regardless of their sexual orientation, ensuring that they can live their lives without fear or discrimination.
Conclusion
Homosexual relations are currently prohibited by law, with offenders facing a potential prison term of three years. However, the proposed legislation could extend this punishment for various actions, including public displays of affection and the promotion or financial support of LGBTQ+ initiatives.
Ghana needs an honest, urgent conversation with itself: Are we a society that punishes people for who they are, or a nation that upholds the dignity and rights of all? The way we treat people of the LGBTQ+ community will show our true intentions and define our understanding of democracy and human rights.
About author
He is a freelance writer and commentator who focuses on political, environmental, and social issues impacting Ghana, with a commitment to promoting informed dialogue and change.
Email: Ebenhood@gmail.com
