Ghana and Senegal Intensify Repression Against LGBTIQ+ Communities, Sparking International Criticism

The governments of Ghana and Senegal have faced mounting international pressure after enacting stringent laws that criminalize LGBTIQ+ identities, prompting human rights organizations to demand urgent action from the German government. These measures, which impose harsh penalties for same-sex relationships and LGBTQ+ advocacy, have raised concerns about the safety of asylum seekers from these nations and the ethical implications of their designation as “safe countries of origin” in Germany.

Ghana’s Anti-LGBTIQ+ Legislation: A Sharp Escalation

In 2023, Ghana’s Parliament passed a law that criminalizes same-sex relationships, with penalties ranging from three to five years in prison for individuals engaging in such relationships and up to five years for those supporting LGBTIQ+ activities. The law, awaiting final approval by President John Mahama, has been widely condemned as a violation of fundamental human rights. Alva Träbert of the German LGBTQ+ organization Queere Vielfalt (LSVD+) described the legislation as a “massive escalation in the criminalization of queer individuals,” emphasizing its incompatibility with international human rights standards.

Similar to Ghana, Senegal has also intensified its crackdown on LGBTQ+ communities. In March 2023, the Senegalese Parliament amended its criminal code to increase penalties for “unnatural acts,” imposing prison sentences of five to ten years for same-sex sexual activity. This has led to a surge in arrests and heightened fears among LGBTQ+ individuals, with local activists reporting a climate of intimidation and violence.

German Government Under Fire for “Safe Country” Designation

Despite these developments, both Ghana and Senegal remain classified as “safe countries of origin” by the German government, a designation that significantly limits the ability of asylum seekers from these nations to prove persecution claims. Critics argue that this classification is no longer defensible given the escalating repression.

“The German government must stop treating these countries as safe for queer migrants,” said Filiz Polat, a migration policy expert from the Green Party. “The harsh legal and social environment in Ghana and Senegal poses a real risk of persecution for LGBTQ+ individuals, and this must be reflected in asylum policies.” Clara Bünger of the Left Party echoed these sentiments, criticizing the EU’s “fast-track” asylum procedures for disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups like LGBTQ+ refugees.

Human Rights Groups Warn of Escalating Threats

Human rights organizations have documented a sharp rise in violence and discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals in both countries. In Ghana, activists report that queer communities live in constant fear of harassment, with some seeking refuge abroad. Ebenezer Peegah, a Ghanaian LGBTQ+ rights advocate, told the Guardian that many individuals are contacting him for advice on how to leave the country, though support systems remain inadequate.

In Senegal, recent arrests of LGBTQ+ individuals have been reported by local media, with activists avoiding public discourse due to the risk of retaliation. “The social climate is increasingly hostile, with state-sanctioned violence and public shaming becoming more common,” said a source familiar with the situation, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Germany’s Stance: Balancing Efficiency and Human Rights

The CDU-led government has defended its “safe country” designation, arguing that it streamlines asylum processes by prioritizing cases with clear evidence of persecution. Günter Krings, a CDU parliamentary representative, stated, “Designating a country as safe does not negate the right to a fair legal process. It simply allows for more efficient handling of cases where no credible flight risk exists.”

However, critics, including Wiebke Judith of Pro Asyl, argue that the designation creates an “unfair burden” on LGBTQ+ asylum seekers. “It’s significantly harder for them to prove persecution in hearings, and their legal protections are effectively weakened,” Judith said. The German Federal Agency for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) maintains that applicants can still present evidence of specific risks, but advocates stress that this process is often insurmountable for those facing societal and state violence.

Call for Policy Reform and International Accountability

As the situation deteriorates, international human rights bodies and LGBTQ+ advocates are urging Germany to reassess its “safe country” policy and provide greater protections for refugees from Ghana and Senegal. The European Asylum Support Office (EASO) has also called for increased scrutiny of member states’ compliance with international refugee law.

The crisis underscores the broader challenge of aligning migration policies with evolving human rights landscapes. For LGBTQ+ individuals in Ghana and Senegal, the stakes are life-altering. As one activist put it, “If the world turns its back, we have nowhere to go.”

Key Takeaways:

• Ghana and Senegal have enacted laws imposing severe penalties for same-sex relationships and LGBTQ+ advocacy.
• Human rights groups condemn these measures as violations of basic freedoms and call for Germany to revoke their “safe country” status.
• Asylum seekers from these nations face heightened risks due to the current policy framework, which prioritizes efficiency over individualized assessments.
• Activists warn of a deteriorating climate for LGBTQ+ communities, with increased arrests and societal hostility.

For more information, visit the Amnesty International