The Promotion, sponsorship, or support of LGBTQ+ Activities – sentence set to 3 to 5 Years

Ghana’s Parliament has approved a custodial sentence for persons who wilfully promote, sponsor, or support the activities of LGBTQ+. It suggests that such persons should be given a minimum of 3 years and a maximum of 5 years.

Also, the legislative arm of the government approved a minimum sentence of 6 months and a maximum sentence of 3 years for persons caught indulging in the act. The amended act was proposed by co-sponsor of the bill, Ningo-Prampram MP, Mr Sam George.

The deputy majority leader, Alexander Afenyo Markin however, opposes the amendment. His reason being that imprisonment incurs state costs. He rather suggests a custodial sentence of not more than three months. He argues that considering the condition of prisons, a custodial sentence will not lead to rehabilitation of the offender when convicted.

“Rehabilitation cannot be found. If indeed we are promoting Ghanaian family values, then our Ghanaian family values will not have the consequence of those in breach being destroyed,” he said.

Ningo-Prampram MP, Sam George said, “For anyone acting in promotion, the punitive measure is minimum 3 years, maximum 5 years to stop the promotion that is targeting our children in secondary school and the setting up of clubs in secondary schools.”