LGBT rights in Ghana
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Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons in Ghana face legal and societal challenges and discrimination not experienced by non-LGBT citizens.
LGBT rights in Ghana | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Status | Male illegal since 1892 (as Gold Coast)[1]: 34 Female not criminalized. |
| Penalty | 3 years imprisonment if consensual [citation needed] |
| Gender identity | No |
| Military | No |
| Discrimination protections | No |
| Family rights | |
| Recognition of relationships | No recognition of same-sex unions |
| Adoption | No |
Same-sex sexual acts have been illegal in Ghana since the colonial era. LGBT rights are heavily suppressed. The majority of Ghana's population hold anti-LGBT sentiments.[2] Physical and violent homophobic attacks against LGBT people are common, and are often encouraged by the media and religious and political leaders.[3] At times, government officials, such as police, engage in such acts of violence.[4] Reports of young gay people being kicked out of their homes are also common, as well as reports of conversion therapy occurring across Ghana.[5]
Despite the Constitution guaranteeing a right to freedom of speech, expression and assembly to Ghanaian citizens, these fundamental rights are actively denied to LGBT people.[6] Pro-LGBT activism exists in Ghana, but such efforts are often thwarted by the Ghanaian government.[7] However in 2016, Ghana's attitudes towards homosexuality are slowly evolving and becoming more tolerant and accepting of LGBT rights. This truce was broken in 2021. In February, religious and political leaders forced an LGBT centre to close in Accra. Then in May, police arrested 21 people attending a human rights workshop in Ho city, Volta region. And in August, lawmakers proposed a bill (still under review) so extreme that simply saying you are gay or lesbian could land you in mandatory conversion therapy or prison for up to 10 years.[8]