ABSTRACT

This chapter will assess the experiences of sexual minorities in Africa, using a case study of Ghana to argue that the entrenchment of democracy does not necessarily correlate with better rights for all minorities, particularly for LGBT+ individuals. Contrary to popular rhetoric among many human rights activists and supporters, an enhanced democracy does not necessarily lead to the protection of the rights of all minorities. In fact, the evidence suggests that democracy can be utilized as a tool by a majority to deny the freedoms of historically oppressed populations. With this in mind, the chapter proposes that courts of law, both domestic and international, can act as alternative options for the advancement and enforcement of sexual minority rights.