LGBTI Intergroup addressed a letter on Ghana to Josep Borrell Fontelles-High Representative/Vice-President of the European Commission

There have been consistent reports of discrimination and violence being committed against LGBTIQ+ people in recent years in Ghana, including assaults, mob attacks, arbitrary detentions, extortions, and discriminations in accessing services. International Organisations such as OutRight Action International have constantly reported discrimination against other members of the LGBTIQ+ community. All these acts are in clear violation of the Ghanaian Constitution, which universally protects people’s rights to freedom of association and expression.

The bill in Ghana is yet to be adopted by the country’s President before it becomes the law. If approved, this law will negatively affect free speech, freedom of movement, bodily autonomy and freedom of association, while obstructing access to life-saving services and undercutting social protection for the LGBTIQ+ community and those concerned with the protection of human rights.

On 6 March, a letter by the LGBTI Intergroup was sent to Josep Borrell Fontelles, High Representative/Vice-President of the European Commission. In the letter, the MEPs expressed their concerns regarding recent developments in Ghana, calling on the VP to take action and to vocally urge Ghanaian President, Nana Akufo Addo, to exercise his right of rejection on the basis of constitutionality and not sign this extreme form of discrimination into law.

Press contacts:
Kim van Sparrentak: lowie.kok@europarl.europa.eu
Marc Angel: daniel.constantinides@europarl.europa.eu