LGBT Population in Ghana Under Threat
Recent rhetoric by members of government and religious groups in Ghana has created a perilous environment for the Ghanaian lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) population. Government minister and parliament member, Paul Evan Aidoo, has repeatedly and publicly condemned homosexuality, including a call for landlords to report any person suspected to be a homosexual to police. Another parliament member, David Tetteh, called for the “public lynching of homosexuals.” Additionally, Muslim and Christian groups, including the Christian Council of Ghana, have mobilized their congregations against politicians who defend homosexuality.
Ghana’s constitution clearly states that all citizens must be treated equally under the law and not face discrimination based on gender, race or religion, and have the right to privacy. However, same-sex relations between men are considered “illegal" and "unnatural carnal knowledge." The criminal code offense is considered a misdemeanor and carries a maximum prison sentence of six months. There are no registered LGBT organizations in Ghana, and in 2006, the government banned an LGBT rights conference that was supposed to be held. Gays and lesbians have frequently been the victim of blackmail, with blackmailers threatening to "disclose" their status; they have faced extortion, direct threats, assault, rape and murder.
Freedom House calls on Ghanaian authorities to make every effort to ensure the safety of LGBT citizens and to repeal legislation criminalizing homosexuality.
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