Human Rights and Homosexuality in Ghana

Abstract

This study examined the deprivation and discrimination of human rights of homosexuals in Ghana and the measures to protect their rights. An explorative qualitative research approach was considered as appropriate method for the study. Primary data from semi structured open ended interviews with ten homosexuals and individuals deeply informed of the human rights situation in Ghana and secondary data from verifiable sources were employed. Data retrieved was scrutinised using thematic analysis to identify recurrent themes from the interviews transcript before a comprehensive discussion was conducted. The study found out that homosexuals in Ghana are constantly deprived of their rights to association, movement, education, personal liberty and fair trial. The study also found out that religious beliefs, cultural orientation and limited understanding of human rights are the major causes of human rights abuse of homosexuals in Ghana. The study provided some recommendations to help protect the human rights of homosexuals in Ghana. These include the need for the president to openly condemn all threats and acts of violence against homosexuals , repeal section 104(b) of the criminal offenses Act that criminalizes adult consensual same sex conduct and the need for parliament to review chapter five of the 1992 constitution of Ghana on fundamental human rights and freedoms to include a specific prohibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.