The Ghanaian parliament has supported amendments to the bill on the preservation of family values, according to which citizens who considers themselves to be LGBT are subject to a three-year prison sentence, reports stated on Thursday.
At the same time, those who publicly advocate for LGBT rights are to face up to 10 years in prison, according to the planned bill.
The amendments, supported by an inter-party group of deputies, were submitted for further consideration by the parliament.
Head of the parliament's Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee, Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi, said, opening the parliament's debate, that the document is aimed at ensuring human rights and family values.
Anyimadu-Antwi stressed that the law prohibits same-sex relationships and propaganda promoting LGBTQI+ views, as well as provides protection and support for children.
He also noted that his committee unanimously supported the bill and recommends it for adoption.
Vice Chair of the committee and MP for Ghana's Akatsi South district, Bernard Ahiafor, supported the proposal, stating that if same-sex relationships were permitted, procreation would stop.
"We need to respect our cultural values," he stressed.
The motion is part of a wider trend in Africa to toughen up legislation against LGBT.
Last May in Uganda, a law on countering LGBT was signed by the president after being adopted by the parliament. The bill provides harsh penalties, including a provision on the death penalty for same-sex sexual acts with aggravating circumstances. A 20-year prison sentence has also been imposed for promoting homosexuality.