The United States of America has expressed its disappointment after Ghana's parliament passed one of the most stringent anti-LGBTQ legislation in Africa.
A statement released by the USA said that it was deeply troubled by the passage of the law and urged a review of the "constitutionality of the bill."
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Ghana's parliament enacted legislation that tightened restrictions on the rights of LGBTQ individuals and anyone who promotes lesbian, gay, or other non-conventional sexual or gender identities in the West African country.
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Gay sex was punishable by up to three years in prison. The law now includes a prison sentence of up to five years for "wilful promotion, sponsorship, or support of LGBTQ+ activities."
"The bill seeks to criminalize any person who simply identifies as LGBTQI+, as well as any friend, family, or member of the community who does not report them," the U.S. State Department said in a statement.
"The United States echoes the call by those Ghanaians who have urged a review of the constitutionality of the bill to protect the rights of all individuals in Ghana." it added.
According to the statement, "The United States echoes the call by those Ghanaians who have urged a review of the constitutionality of the bill to protect the rights of all individuals in Ghana."
Following the vote in parliament, the bill will be handed to President Nana Akufo-Addo, who has seven days to approve or refuse to accede under Ghana's constitution.
If he agrees, the bill becomes law. Akufo-Addo had avoided the heated debate over the measure but said he would respond once it was passed by parliament.
Winnie Byanyima, executive director of the United Nations Aids agency UNAIDS, said that if the bill becomes law, it will affect everyone. She said that punitive measures, such as those included in the bill, are a barrier to eradicating AIDS and, ultimately, weaken everyone's health.
