Global Outrage: Ghana President Confirms He Will Sign Law Criminalizing LGBTQ+ Identit

The President of Ghana has confirmed that he intends to sign a highly controversial bill that would make it illegal to identify as LGBTQ+, a move that has triggered intense international backlash and renewed concerns over human rights, equality, and freedom of expression.

The legislation, which has been debated for months, goes far beyond restricting same-sex relationships. Critics say it effectively criminalizes identity itself, placing LGBTQ+ individuals at risk simply for who they are. If signed into law, the bill could lead to arrests, censorship, and increased surveillance, while also empowering citizens to report suspected LGBTQ+ people to authorities.

Supporters of the bill argue that it reflects Ghana’s cultural values and moral traditions. Backers claim the law is necessary to protect family structures and social norms, insisting it has broad public support within the country. Government officials have framed the measure as a defense of national identity against what they describe as foreign influence.

Human rights organizations, however, warn that the consequences could be severe. International advocacy groups say the law would legitimize discrimination, fuel violence, and force LGBTQ+ Ghanaians to live in fear or go into hiding. Activists also stress that criminalizing identity violates basic human rights principles, including freedom of expression, privacy, and personal dignity.

The announcement has drawn sharp criticism from foreign governments, global NGOs, and United Nations officials, many of whom have urged Ghana to reconsider. Some have warned the decision could damage Ghana’s international reputation and affect diplomatic relations, foreign aid, and economic partnerships.

Within Ghana, LGBTQ+ advocates and allies say the climate has already become more hostile, with increased harassment and threats reported since the bill gained momentum. Many fear that once the law is signed, access to healthcare, mental health support, and legal protection will become even more limited.

As the world watches, the president’s confirmation has turned the bill into a flashpoint in the global struggle between cultural sovereignty and universal human rights. For many, the decision represents not just a legal shift, but a defining moment that will shape the lives and safety of countless people for years to come.