Protecting Human Rights in Ghana: Supporting LGBTQ

Dear donors 

Here is a final Report on Fundraising Campaign to Support Ghana LGBTI People

1. Introduction
This report outlines the efforts and outcomes of our fundraising campaign aimed at supporting LGBTI individuals in Ghana, particularly those adversely affected by the enactment of anti-homosexuality laws. The campaign was launched to provide legal, financial, and psychological assistance to individuals who face persecution, discrimination, and violence due to their sexual orientation and gender identity.

2. Purpose of the Fundraising Campaign
The main objective of the campaign was to mitigate the impacts of the anti-homosexuality laws by:

• Supporting legal defense for individuals charged under these laws.
• Providing temporary shelter and basic needs for displaced LGBTI people.
• Offering psychological counseling and social support for those facing emotional distress.
• Increasing public awareness about the human rights violations LGBTI individuals endure under the current legal framework.

3. Challenges Related to the Anti-Homosexuality Act
The Anti-Homosexuality Act has created a hostile environment for LGBTI people in Ghana. Some of the key challenges faced include:

• Increased Persecution: The law has emboldened both state and non-state actors to harass, intimidate, and arrest LGBTI individuals. As a result, many people have lost their homes, jobs, and sense of security.
• Fear of Reporting Abuse: Due to fear of legal repercussions, many LGBTI people are hesitant to report incidents of violence or harassment to authorities. This has made it difficult for victims to access justice or protection.
• Stigmatization and Marginalization: The societal stigma surrounding LGBTI individuals has intensified, leading to further isolation from family, friends, and communities. This has resulted in severe mental health challenges, including depression and anxiety.
• Funding and Resource Gaps: The anti-homosexuality environment has made it difficult for organizations to secure the financial resources necessary to provide continuous support, as many potential donors are concerned about being associated with a politically sensitive issue.
• Legal Restrictions: Strict laws and their enforcement have made it challenging for advocacy groups and organizations to operate freely, especially when providing direct support to LGBTI individuals. Many activists fear reprisal, leading to reduced activities on the ground.

4. Fundraising Campaign Strategy
To combat these challenges, our campaign adopted a multifaceted approach:

• Online Fundraising: We launched the campaign on [platform], aiming to raise [target amount] over [time period].
• Social Media Advocacy: We created social media awareness campaigns targeting international audiences to gain support for the cause.
• Partnerships with LGBTI Organizations: Collaborations with local and international advocacy groups helped to amplify our message, though we faced significant pushback due to the political climate in Ghana.

5. Campaign Outcomes and Financial Results
Despite our best efforts, the campaign did not meet its financial target. We raised [amount raised], which is significantly less than the goal of [target amount]. However, the funds raised were allocated to:

• Temporary emergency shelter for displaced individuals.
• Providing food and basic necessities for those in hiding.
• Counseling services for individuals experiencing trauma.

6. Measures Taken to Address the Challenges
Recognizing the challenges posed by the Anti-Homosexuality Act, we have implemented several strategies to better support the LGBTI community in Ghana:

• Legal Assistance: We have partnered with local legal practitioners and human rights organizations to offer free or subsidized legal representation to individuals charged under the act.
• Safe Houses: In collaboration with local allies, we are establishing more safe houses across key areas to provide refuge for individuals who have been displaced due to persecution.
• Mental Health Support: We are offering free psychological counseling through trained professionals, both in-person and via online platforms, to help individuals cope with the trauma of discrimination.
• Building a Global Network: We are expanding our connections with international LGBTI organizations to advocate for greater diplomatic pressure on Ghana’s government to repeal the Anti-Homosexuality Act and uphold human rights.
• Advocacy and Education: We are working on grassroots awareness campaigns to inform the public about the detrimental effects of the law on the LGBTI community and promote tolerance and inclusion.

7. Lessons Learned and Next Steps
The challenges posed by Ghana’s Anti-Homosexuality Act have underscored the need for:

• Diversified Funding Sources: Moving forward, we will focus on diversifying our fundraising strategies, reaching out to broader international coalitions and private foundations that are aligned with human rights causes.
• Community Empowerment: We aim to empower local activists with training on advocacy, legal rights, and safety protocols to continue their work in a safer and more effective manner.
• Long-Term Campaigns: Future fundraising efforts will run over a longer duration, allowing more time to raise awareness and build stronger support networks.