Akufo-Addo Delays Assent to Anti-LGBT+ Bill

The President, Nana Akufo-Addo has stated that assenting to the anti-LGBT+ Bill will be on hold until after the determination of a pending case at the Supreme Court. At a meeting with the diplomatic community at Peduase Lodge, he pointed out that a private citizen had challenged the constitutionality of the bill in court.

President Akufo-Addo acknowledged that the recent bi-partisan approval of the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill by Parliament has caused concern among some members of the diplomatic community and friends of Ghana, who worry that the country may be deviating from its long-standing commitment to human rights and adherence to the rule of law. However, he reassured them that there would be no regression on these principles.
“In the circumstances, it would be, as well, for all of us to hold our hands, and await the decision of the Court before any action is taken. The operation of the institutions of the Ghanaian state will determine the future trajectory of the rule of law and human rights compliance in our country,” he stated.

The bill, which prohibits LGBTQ activities and criminalizes their promotion, advocacy, and funding, has sparked reactions both nationally and internationally. Notably, the Ministry of Finance has cautioned against enacting the bill into law, citing potential financial consequences for the country’s support from international organizations.