Entry #833: Homosexual activity in Ghana

Current Version

RegionGhana
IssueHomosexual activity
StatusMale illegal, female legal
Start DateJan 12, 1960
End Date(none)
DescriptionUnder Section 104 of the Ghanaian Criminal Code of 1960 as "unnatural carnal knowledge". If the person is of 16 years or older and has consent, this is considered a misdemeanour, punishable by imprisonment not exceeding 3 years as per Article 296(4) of the Criminal Procedural Code.
Sourceshttp://www.refworld.org/pdfid/44bf823a4.pdf
https://ilga.org/downloads/ILGA_State_Sponsored_Homophobia_2019.pdf
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/886465/GHANA_SOGIE_CPIN_v2.0.pdf


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Revision History (13)

edited by Unknownmiles. Reverting to revision #40883: law has not been signed into law yet

Helpful?
0
Old Value New Value (Current)
ValueIllegal (imprisonment as punishment)Male illegal, female legal
Start DateFeb 28, 2024Jan 12, 1960
DescriptionUnder Section 104 of the Ghanaian Criminal Code of 1960 as "unnatural carnal knowledge". If the person is of 16 years or older and has consent, this is considered a misdemeanour, punishable by imprisonment not exceeding 3 years as per Article 296(4) of the Criminal Procedural Code.

As of 2024, homosexuality is banned for both men and women. Sentences can very from at least 3 years in prison.
Under Section 104 of the Ghanaian Criminal Code of 1960 as "unnatural carnal knowledge". If the person is of 16 years or older and has consent, this is considered a misdemeanour, punishable by imprisonment not exceeding 3 years as per Article 296(4) of the Criminal Procedural Code.
Show Difference
Under Section 104 of the Ghanaian Criminal Code of 1960 as "unnatural carnal knowledge". If the person is of 16 years or older and has consent, this is considered a misdemeanour, punishable by imprisonment not exceeding 3 years as per Article 296(4) of the Criminal Procedural Code. As of 2024, homosexuality is banned for both men and women. Sentences can very from at least 3 years in prison. Code.
Federal LawYesNo
Sourceshttp://www.refworld.org/pdfid/44bf823a4.pdf
https://ilga.org/downloads/ILGA_State_Sponsored_Homophobia_2019.pdf
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/886465/GHANA_SOGIE_CPIN_v2.0.pdf
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-68353437
http://www.refworld.org/pdfid/44bf823a4.pdf
https://ilga.org/downloads/ILGA_State_Sponsored_Homophobia_2019.pdf
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/886465/GHANA_SOGIE_CPIN_v2.0.pdf
Show Difference
http://www.refworld.org/pdfid/44bf823a4.pdf https://ilga.org/downloads/ILGA_State_Sponsored_Homophobia_2019.pdf https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/886465/GHANA_SOGIE_CPIN_v2.0.pdf https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-68353437 http://www.refworld.org/pdfid/44bf823a4.pdf https://ilga.org/downloads/ILGA_State_Sponsored_Homophobia_2019.pdf https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/886465/GHANA_SOGIE_CPIN_v2.0.pdf

edited by BlkPride. This should have been updated since February 2024.

Helpful?
0
Old Value New Value
ValueMale illegal, female legalIllegal (imprisonment as punishment)
Start DateJan 12, 1960Feb 28, 2024
DescriptionUnder Section 104 of the Ghanaian Criminal Code of 1960 as "unnatural carnal knowledge". If the person is of 16 years or older and has consent, this is considered a misdemeanour, punishable by imprisonment not exceeding 3 years as per Article 296(4) of the Criminal Procedural Code.Under Section 104 of the Ghanaian Criminal Code of 1960 as "unnatural carnal knowledge". If the person is of 16 years or older and has consent, this is considered a misdemeanour, punishable by imprisonment not exceeding 3 years as per Article 296(4) of the Criminal Procedural Code.

As of 2024, homosexuality is banned for both men and women. Sentences can very from at least 3 years in prison.
Show Difference
Under Section 104 of the Ghanaian Criminal Code of 1960 as "unnatural carnal knowledge". If the person is of 16 years or older and has consent, this is considered a misdemeanour, punishable by imprisonment not exceeding 3 years as per Article 296(4) of the Criminal Procedural Code. Code. As of 2024, homosexuality is banned for both men and women. Sentences can very from at least 3 years in prison.
Federal LawNoYes
Sourceshttp://www.refworld.org/pdfid/44bf823a4.pdf
https://ilga.org/downloads/ILGA_State_Sponsored_Homophobia_2019.pdf
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/886465/GHANA_SOGIE_CPIN_v2.0.pdf
http://www.refworld.org/pdfid/44bf823a4.pdf
https://ilga.org/downloads/ILGA_State_Sponsored_Homophobia_2019.pdf
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/886465/GHANA_SOGIE_CPIN_v2.0.pdf
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-68353437
Show Difference
http://www.refworld.org/pdfid/44bf823a4.pdf https://ilga.org/downloads/ILGA_State_Sponsored_Homophobia_2019.pdf https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/886465/GHANA_SOGIE_CPIN_v2.0.pdf http://www.refworld.org/pdfid/44bf823a4.pdf https://ilga.org/downloads/ILGA_State_Sponsored_Homophobia_2019.pdf https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/886465/GHANA_SOGIE_CPIN_v2.0.pdf https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-68353437

edited by Ratabzoo. Reverting to revision #20422:

Helpful?
0
Old Value New Value
ValueIllegal (imprisonment as punishment)Male illegal, female legal
Start DateFeb 29, 2024Jan 12, 1960
DescriptionUnder Section 104 of the Ghanaian Criminal Code of 1960 as "unnatural carnal knowledge". If the person is of 16 years or older and has consent, this is considered a misdemeanour, punishable by imprisonment not exceeding 3 years as per Article 296(4) of the Criminal Procedural Code. In 2024, it was proposed to strengthen the law to criminalise any form of LGBTQ+ expression, and extended the potential prison sentence to 5-10 years, but is not yet in effect as of May 2024.Under Section 104 of the Ghanaian Criminal Code of 1960 as "unnatural carnal knowledge". If the person is of 16 years or older and has consent, this is considered a misdemeanour, punishable by imprisonment not exceeding 3 years as per Article 296(4) of the Criminal Procedural Code.
Show Difference
Under Section 104 of the Ghanaian Criminal Code of 1960 as "unnatural carnal knowledge". If the person is of 16 years or older and has consent, this is considered a misdemeanour, punishable by imprisonment not exceeding 3 years as per Article 296(4) of the Criminal Procedural Code. In 2024, it was proposed to strengthen the law to criminalise any form of LGBTQ+ expression, and extended the potential prison sentence to 5-10 years, but is not yet in effect as of May 2024.
Sourceshttp://www.refworld.org/pdfid/44bf823a4.pdf
https://ilga.org/downloads/ILGA_State_Sponsored_Homophobia_2019.pdf
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/886465/GHANA_SOGIE_CPIN_v2.0.pdf
https://www.thepinknews.com/2024/02/29/ghana-passes-anti-lgbt-bill/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-68353437
http://www.refworld.org/pdfid/44bf823a4.pdf
https://ilga.org/downloads/ILGA_State_Sponsored_Homophobia_2019.pdf
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/886465/GHANA_SOGIE_CPIN_v2.0.pdf
Show Difference
http://www.refworld.org/pdfid/44bf823a4.pdf https://ilga.org/downloads/ILGA_State_Sponsored_Homophobia_2019.pdf https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/886465/GHANA_SOGIE_CPIN_v2.0.pdf https://www.thepinknews.com/2024/02/29/ghana-passes-anti-lgbt-bill/ https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-68353437 http://www.refworld.org/pdfid/44bf823a4.pdf https://ilga.org/downloads/ILGA_State_Sponsored_Homophobia_2019.pdf https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/886465/GHANA_SOGIE_CPIN_v2.0.pdf
Reports (1)
  • Status is not correct "Illegal for male and female since 2024 : https://database.ilga.org/ghana-lgbti"

edited by beeurd. Updating description to clarify status of a change to the punishment

Helpful?
0
Old Value New Value
DescriptionUnder Section 104 of the Ghanaian Criminal Code of 1960 as "unnatural carnal knowledge". If the person is of 16 years or older and has consent, this is considered a misdemeanour, punishable by imprisonment not exceeding 3 years as per Article 296(4) of the Criminal Procedural Code. In 2024, this law was strengthened to criminalise any form of LGBTQ+ expression, and extended the potential prison sentence to 5-10 years.Under Section 104 of the Ghanaian Criminal Code of 1960 as "unnatural carnal knowledge". If the person is of 16 years or older and has consent, this is considered a misdemeanour, punishable by imprisonment not exceeding 3 years as per Article 296(4) of the Criminal Procedural Code. In 2024, it was proposed to strengthen the law to criminalise any form of LGBTQ+ expression, and extended the potential prison sentence to 5-10 years, but is not yet in effect as of May 2024.
Show Difference
Under Section 104 of the Ghanaian Criminal Code of 1960 as "unnatural carnal knowledge". If the person is of 16 years or older and has consent, this is considered a misdemeanour, punishable by imprisonment not exceeding 3 years as per Article 296(4) of the Criminal Procedural Code. In 2024, this law was strengthened to criminalise any form of LGBTQ+ expression, and extended the potential prison sentence to 5-10 years. "unnatural carnal knowledge". If the person is of 16 years or older and has consent, this is considered a misdemeanour, punishable by imprisonment not exceeding 3 years as per Article 296(4) of the Criminal Procedural Code. In 2024, it was proposed to strengthen the law to criminalise any form of LGBTQ+ expression, and extended the potential prison sentence to 5-10 years, but is not yet in effect as of May 2024.

edited by Doomdorm64. 2024 bill

Helpful?
0
Old Value New Value
ValueMale illegal, female legalIllegal (imprisonment as punishment)
DescriptionUnder Section 104 of the Ghanaian Criminal Code of 1960 as "unnatural carnal knowledge". If the person is of 16 years or older and has consent, this is considered a misdemeanour, punishable by imprisonment not exceeding 3 years as per Article 296(4) of the Criminal Procedural Code. In 2024, this law was strengthened to criminalise any form of LGBTQ+ expression.Under Section 104 of the Ghanaian Criminal Code of 1960 as "unnatural carnal knowledge". If the person is of 16 years or older and has consent, this is considered a misdemeanour, punishable by imprisonment not exceeding 3 years as per Article 296(4) of the Criminal Procedural Code. In 2024, this law was strengthened to criminalise any form of LGBTQ+ expression, and extended the potential prison sentence to 5-10 years.
Show Difference
Under Section 104 of the Ghanaian Criminal Code of 1960 as "unnatural carnal knowledge". If the person is of 16 years or older and has consent, this is considered a misdemeanour, punishable by imprisonment not exceeding 3 years as per Article 296(4) of the Criminal Procedural Code. In 2024, this law was strengthened to criminalise any form of LGBTQ+ expression. expression, and extended the potential prison sentence to 5-10 years.
Reports (2)
  • Status is not correct "this law is not yet passed/in effect "
  • Status is not correct "This law has been passed by the Ghanaian parliament, but as of March 2024 has not been signed into law by the President into law, and is currently under review in the Supreme Court. "

edited by Doomdorm64. 2024 bill

Helpful?
0
Old Value New Value
Start DateJan 12, 1960Feb 29, 2024
DescriptionUnder Section 104 of the Ghanaian Criminal Code of 1960 as "unnatural carnal knowledge". If the person is of 16 years or older and has consent, this is considered a misdemeanour, punishable by imprisonment not exceeding 3 years as per Article 296(4) of the Criminal Procedural Code. (Decriminalization pending)Under Section 104 of the Ghanaian Criminal Code of 1960 as "unnatural carnal knowledge". If the person is of 16 years or older and has consent, this is considered a misdemeanour, punishable by imprisonment not exceeding 3 years as per Article 296(4) of the Criminal Procedural Code. In 2024, this law was strengthened to criminalise any form of LGBTQ+ expression.
Show Difference
Under Section 104 of the Ghanaian Criminal Code of 1960 as "unnatural carnal knowledge". If the person is of 16 years or older and has consent, this is considered a misdemeanour, punishable by imprisonment not exceeding 3 years as per Article 296(4) of the Criminal Procedural Code. (Decriminalization pending) In 2024, this law was strengthened to criminalise any form of LGBTQ+ expression.
Sourceshttp://www.refworld.org/pdfid/44bf823a4.pdf
https://ilga.org/downloads/ILGA_State_Sponsored_Homophobia_2019.pdf
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/886465/GHANA_SOGIE_CPIN_v2.0.pdf
http://www.refworld.org/pdfid/44bf823a4.pdf
https://ilga.org/downloads/ILGA_State_Sponsored_Homophobia_2019.pdf
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/886465/GHANA_SOGIE_CPIN_v2.0.pdf
https://www.thepinknews.com/2024/02/29/ghana-passes-anti-lgbt-bill/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-68353437
Show Difference
http://www.refworld.org/pdfid/44bf823a4.pdf https://ilga.org/downloads/ILGA_State_Sponsored_Homophobia_2019.pdf https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/886465/GHANA_SOGIE_CPIN_v2.0.pdf http://www.refworld.org/pdfid/44bf823a4.pdf https://ilga.org/downloads/ILGA_State_Sponsored_Homophobia_2019.pdf https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/886465/GHANA_SOGIE_CPIN_v2.0.pdf https://www.thepinknews.com/2024/02/29/ghana-passes-anti-lgbt-bill/ https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-68353437

edited by Pizzaslices412653

Helpful?
0
Old Value New Value
DescriptionUnder Section 104 of the Ghanaian Criminal Code of 1960 as "unnatural carnal knowledge". If the person is of 16 years or older and has consent, this is considered a misdemeanour, punishable by imprisonment not exceeding 3 years as per Article 296(4) of the Criminal Procedural Code Decriminalization pending.Under Section 104 of the Ghanaian Criminal Code of 1960 as "unnatural carnal knowledge". If the person is of 16 years or older and has consent, this is considered a misdemeanour, punishable by imprisonment not exceeding 3 years as per Article 296(4) of the Criminal Procedural Code. (Decriminalization pending)
Show Difference
Under Section 104 of the Ghanaian Criminal Code of 1960 as "unnatural carnal knowledge". If the person is of 16 years or older and has consent, this is considered a misdemeanour, punishable by imprisonment not exceeding 3 years as per Article 296(4) of the Criminal Procedural Code Decriminalization pending. Code. (Decriminalization pending)

edited by Pizzaslices412653

Helpful?
0
Old Value New Value
DescriptionUnder Section 104 of the Ghanaian Criminal Code of 1960 as "unnatural carnal knowledge". If the person is of 16 years or older and has consent, this is considered a misdemeanour, punishable by imprisonment not exceeding 3 years as per Article 296(4) of the Criminal Procedural Code Decriminalization pendingUnder Section 104 of the Ghanaian Criminal Code of 1960 as "unnatural carnal knowledge". If the person is of 16 years or older and has consent, this is considered a misdemeanour, punishable by imprisonment not exceeding 3 years as per Article 296(4) of the Criminal Procedural Code Decriminalization pending.
Show Difference
Under Section 104 of the Ghanaian Criminal Code of 1960 as "unnatural carnal knowledge". If the person is of 16 years or older and has consent, this is considered a misdemeanour, punishable by imprisonment not exceeding 3 years as per Article 296(4) of the Criminal Procedural Code Decriminalization pending pending.

edited by Pizzaslices412653

Helpful?
0
Old Value New Value
DescriptionUnder Section 104 of the Ghanaian Criminal Code of 1960 as "unnatural carnal knowledge". If the person is of 16 years or older and has consent, this is considered a misdemeanour, punishable by imprisonment not exceeding 3 years as per Article 296(4) of the Criminal Procedural Code.Under Section 104 of the Ghanaian Criminal Code of 1960 as "unnatural carnal knowledge". If the person is of 16 years or older and has consent, this is considered a misdemeanour, punishable by imprisonment not exceeding 3 years as per Article 296(4) of the Criminal Procedural Code Decriminalization pending
Show Difference
Under Section 104 of the Ghanaian Criminal Code of 1960 as "unnatural carnal knowledge". If the person is of 16 years or older and has consent, this is considered a misdemeanour, punishable by imprisonment not exceeding 3 years as per Article 296(4) of the Criminal Procedural Code. Code Decriminalization pending

edited by beeurd

Helpful?
0
Old Value New Value
DescriptionUnder Section 104 of the Ghanaian Criminal Code of 1960. If the person is of 16 years or older and has consent, this is considered a misdemeanour, punishable by imprisonment not exceeding 3 years as per Article 296(4) of the Criminal Procedural Code.Under Section 104 of the Ghanaian Criminal Code of 1960 as "unnatural carnal knowledge". If the person is of 16 years or older and has consent, this is considered a misdemeanour, punishable by imprisonment not exceeding 3 years as per Article 296(4) of the Criminal Procedural Code.
Show Difference
Under Section 104 of the Ghanaian Criminal Code of 1960. If the person is of 16 years or older and has consent, this is considered a misdemeanour, punishable by imprisonment not exceeding 3 years as per Article 296(4) of the Criminal Procedural Code. "unnatural carnal knowledge". If the person is of 16 years or older and has consent, this is considered a misdemeanour, punishable by imprisonment not exceeding 3 years as per Article 296(4) of the Criminal Procedural Code.
Sourceshttp://www.refworld.org/pdfid/44bf823a4.pdf
https://ilga.org/downloads/ILGA_State_Sponsored_Homophobia_2019.pdf
http://www.refworld.org/pdfid/44bf823a4.pdf
https://ilga.org/downloads/ILGA_State_Sponsored_Homophobia_2019.pdf
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/886465/GHANA_SOGIE_CPIN_v2.0.pdf
Show Difference
http://www.refworld.org/pdfid/44bf823a4.pdf https://ilga.org/downloads/ILGA_State_Sponsored_Homophobia_2019.pdf http://www.refworld.org/pdfid/44bf823a4.pdf https://ilga.org/downloads/ILGA_State_Sponsored_Homophobia_2019.pdf https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/886465/GHANA_SOGIE_CPIN_v2.0.pdf

edited by beeurd

Helpful?
0
Old Value New Value
ValueIllegal (imprisonment as punishment)Male illegal, female legal
DescriptionIf the person is of 16 years or older and has consent, imprisonment not exceeding 3 years. If the person does not have consent, from 5 to 25 years.Under Section 104 of the Ghanaian Criminal Code of 1960. If the person is of 16 years or older and has consent, this is considered a misdemeanour, punishable by imprisonment not exceeding 3 years as per Article 296(4) of the Criminal Procedural Code.
Show Difference
If the person is of 16 years or older and has consent, imprisonment not exceeding 3 years. If the person does not have consent, from 5 to 25 years. Under Section 104 of the Ghanaian Criminal Code of 1960. If the person is of 16 years or older and has consent, this is considered a misdemeanour, punishable by imprisonment not exceeding 3 years as per Article 296(4) of the Criminal Procedural Code.
Sourceshttp://www.refworld.org/pdfid/44bf823a4.pdfhttp://www.refworld.org/pdfid/44bf823a4.pdf
https://ilga.org/downloads/ILGA_State_Sponsored_Homophobia_2019.pdf
Show Difference
http://www.refworld.org/pdfid/44bf823a4.pdf http://www.refworld.org/pdfid/44bf823a4.pdf https://ilga.org/downloads/ILGA_State_Sponsored_Homophobia_2019.pdf

edited by vviet93

Helpful?
0
Old Value (Original) New Value
Start Date1960Jan 12, 1960
Description10 years or moreIf the person is of 16 years or older and has consent, imprisonment not exceeding 3 years. If the person does not have consent, from 5 to 25 years.
Show Difference
10 years or more If the person is of 16 years or older and has consent, imprisonment not exceeding 3 years. If the person does not have consent, from 5 to 25 years.
Sourceshttp://ilga.org/ilga/en/countries/GHANA/Lawhttp://www.refworld.org/pdfid/44bf823a4.pdf
Reports (3)
  • All information is correct, just adding sources "https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/886465/GHANA_SOGIE_CPIN_v2.0.pdf"
  • Status is not correct "Sodomy, which is a sexual ac, is illegal but homosexuality which is a sexual attraction is not illegal since it’s not recognized by the law. Lesbians are homosexuals but they do not engage in sodomy. Heterosexuals can engage in sodomy but does that make heterosexuality illegal? No. It makes only the sexual act illegal. "
  • Status is not correct "it is only male that is illegal. please delete it."

created by robertshippey

Helpful?
0
Original entry
StatusIllegal (imprisonment as punishment)
Start Date1960
End Date(none)
Description10 years or more
Sourceshttp://ilga.org/ilga/en/countries/GHANA/Law