The Ghanaian media has been complicit in pushing narratives that harm queer and transgender people in Ghana. Many news stories represent topics affecting LGBT+ Ghanaians by amplifying the perspectives of homophobic religious and state institutions, which contribute to a toxic landscape and constrains opportunities for self-advocacy. Several media platforms, including The Daily Graphic, JoyFM, and TV3 have “outed” people who support LGBT+ rights and directed harm at them and their families. Throughout the years, the media has also amplified the voices of those who are antagonistic to LGBT+ people, and who specifically work to violate the fundamental human rights of queer people.

Image: Inflammatory newspaper headlines following hearing of anti-LGBTQ bill in Ghana’s parliament.