Ghanaian MPs reintroduce controversial anti-LGBT bill

A group of 10 MPs in Ghana have resubmitted a controversial bill that would impose some of the toughest restrictions on LGBT rights in Africa.

The bill prescribes a three-year jail term for people who identify as gay, and five to 10 years for promoters and advocates.

The legislation was passed by parliament last year, but the former president, Akufo Addo, declined to sign it into law before leaving office in January, citing legal challenges.

It has been widely condemned by both local and international human rights groups, with some describing it as draconian.

The original bill expired at the end of the previous parliament. It’s unclear whether the speaker of the new parliament will admit the bill for consideration.

Gay sex is already punishable by up to three years in prison in the conservative West African country.

President John Dramani Mahama has said he would prefer the bill to be state-sponsored, ensuring broader support and consultation.