Amnesty International Ghana has opposed the proposed anti-LGBTQ+ bill currently before Parliament, describing the legislation in its current form as a violation of fundamental human rights.
Launching the organisation’s 2025 State of the World’s Human Rights Report, the Board Chair of Amnesty International Ghana, Francis Nyantakyi called on Members of Parliament to reject the bill and urged President John Dramani Mahama not to assent to it if passed.
According to Mr. Nyantakyi, the bill threatens constitutional freedoms and could expose individuals perceived to be LGBTQ+ to discrimination, attacks and intimidation.
He clarified that Amnesty International does not promote or advocate for LGBTQ+ activities, but rather seeks to protect the fundamental human rights of all persons regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
“Amnesty International condemns systematic attacks by both state and non-state actors against persons based on perceived sexual orientation or gender identity,” he stated during a media briefing.
The human rights organisation further called on government to ensure that all human rights defenders, including organisations working to protect LGBTQI persons, are allowed to operate in a safe and enabling environment without fear of harassment or attacks.
Amnesty International Ghana also urged authorities to protect LGBTQI persons from hate speech, threats and violence, stressing that every Ghanaian is entitled to the rights guaranteed under Article 21 of the 1992 Constitution.
Beyond the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, the organisation raised concerns over other human rights issues highlighted in its 2025 report, including the continued existence of so-called witch camps in parts of northern Ghana.
The group called on government to abolish the camps and pass legislation that protects vulnerable persons, especially women accused of witchcraft.
Amnesty International Ghana further demanded accountability for recent human rights abuses and called for swift justice in cases involving attacks on journalists.
The organisation specifically referenced the murder case involving journalist Ahmed Hussein-Suale, urging the judiciary and security agencies to expedite investigations and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
Amnesty International Ghana says the protection of human rights remains essential to safeguarding democracy, freedom of expression and social justice in Ghana.
By Joseph Armstrong Gold Alorgbey
