UNAIDS executive director Winnie Byanyima has said Ghana’s anti-gay bill, if becomes law could incite violence by Ghanaians against their fellow citizens.

She said that it will “obstruct access to life-saving services, undercut social protection, and jeopardise Ghana's development success".

The bill which was passed by Parliament on Wednesday, 28 February 2024, will be presented to President Nana Akufo-Addo to assent to it to make it a law.

The President has seven days.

Should he refuse, he then has 14 days to give reasons why, including provisions which in his view should be reconsidered by parliament.

In response, Winnie Byanyima in a statement noted that if the bill known as the Human Sexual Right and Ghanaian Family Values bill becomes law, it will exacerbate fear and hatred.

The statement further said laws such as this bill are a barrier to ending AIDS and ultimately undermines everyone’s health.

The bill criminalises LGBTQI+ activities and prohibits their promotion, advocacy, and funding.

Under the bill, individuals engaged in such activities face a jail term ranging from six months to three years, while promoters and sponsors could be sentenced to three to five years.

Below are details of the statement: