H.E. Hajia Alima Mahama (℅ H.E. Daniel Kingsley Atta Boafo)

Ambassador of Ghana to the United States

Dear Madam Ambassador: 

We are concerned LGBTQI+ Ghanaians and allies who are deeply disturbed by the proposed hate bill that would criminalize LGBTQI+ existence, acceptance and allyship. If passed, the proposed law would impose harsh sentences ranging from fines to forced conversion therapy and up to 10 years imprisonment on LGBQI+ Ghanaians, their families and advocates for their rights. Parliament is scheduled to debate the bill when it resumes session on October 26, 2021. Should it pass Parliament, we urge you to advise President Nana Akuffo-Addo to block the passage of this bill into law. 

First, we demand that you affirm the humanity of LGBTQI+ Ghanaians. LGBTQI+ Ghanaians are our mothers, fathers, children, cousins, aunts and uncles, classmates, coworkers, and siblings in various religious faiths. Nothing is more contrary to Ghanaian values than to throw one’s family and neighbours away like this bill requires. Nearly 13,000 Ghanaians and allies have signed statements in support of LGBT+ people in Ghana. Several memoranda from everyday Ghanaians, coalitions of Ghanaian lawyers, health professionals, and academia have been submitted to Parliament to reject this bill. Moreover, travelers, businesses, researchers, investors, and others have expressed their intentions to boycott Ghana if this bill is to pass. We ask that you affirm these concerns and do your part in defending the dignity of LGBTQI+ Ghanaians.   

Second, we demand that you center the experiences of LGBTQI+ people and highlight the irreparable harms this bill has already caused to the community. Since the bill was introduced, violent attacks against LGBTQI+ people have intensified. If passed, the anti-LGBTQI+ law would worsen an already dangerous climate for vulnerable Ghanaians. As you know, such targeted persecution would drive many LGBTQI+ Ghanaians to flee their homes and seek refuge in other countries. It would also impede the provision of and access to health services, worsen health outcomes, and institutionalize a torturous and ineffective practice, conversion therapy, for LGBTQI+ people. 

Finally, we demand the equal protection of LGBTQI+ Ghanaians and their rights, including the rejection of all discriminatory laws against them. All Ghanaians enjoy fundamental freedoms guaranteed under Ghana’s Constitution and international law. These laws exist to protect marginalized people like LGBTQI+ Ghanaians from the discrimination, violence, invasion of privacy, and censorship that the proposed law seeks to legitimize. 

At the 76th United Nations General Assembly on September 22, 2021, President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, called on world leaders to work towards defending the strict adherence to democracy, constitutional rule, and human rights around the world. We ask that you hold him and Ghana’s government to the same.

Thank you for your urgent attention to this matter.