Ghana’s parliament has approved one of Africa’s most stringent anti-LGBTQ laws, with the bill now sent to President John Mahama for ratification.

The legislation imposes up to three years in prison for same-sex relations, and between three and five years for promoting, sponsoring, or supporting LGBT+ activities. Exemptions have been included for legal, medical, and media professionals.

The bill was first passed unanimously in 2024 but lapsed after former president Nana Akufo-Addo declined to sign it before the end of his term. Under Ghana’s constitution, unsigned legislation must be re-examined by a new parliament — which has now approved it.

Same-sex relations were already prohibited in Ghana under a colonial-era law, though no prosecutions have been recorded under it. The country is majority Christian and broadly conservative on social issues.

Human rights organisations and several international bodies have condemned the legislation.