CDS Africa Launches Survey Report on LGBTQ+ Activities

The Africa Center for Democracy and Socio-Economic Development (CDS Africa) on Monday, May 20, 2024, unveiled a survey report on public sentiments toward LGBTQ+ activities and the recently passed Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill. The bill, approved by Parliament on February 28, 2024, has yet to be signed into law by the President, Nana Akufo-Addo, who has withheld assent following a legal challenge by Richard Dela Sky aiming to nullify the bill.

The CDS Africa survey was to gauge public opinion on LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana and assess awareness of the Anti-Gay Bill. Using a mixed research methodology, data was collected from a diverse group of 1,250 respondents across all sixteen regions of Ghana, including participants aged 18-24 and those 60 years and above, encompassing both male and female respondents.

From survey findings, approximately 78.2% of participants support the passage of the bill. However, a significant portion of the youth demographic believes it is unjust to criminalise individuals based on their sexual preferences.

Director for Research at CDS Africa, Dr. Abena Boateng, urged the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) to inform the public about the objectives of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill.

In an exclusive interview with RGGNEWS, Advocacy Coordinator, Celestina Damoah, at CDS Africa, emphasized the need for public education on the bill’s aims, reiterating the organization’s stance that the bill infringes on human rights.

The survey’s results and subsequent recommendations underscore the need for informed public discourse on LGBTQ+ rights and legislation in Ghana. CDS Africa recommends that the punitive aspects of the Anti-Gay Bill be reconsidered, advocating for a focus on rehabilitation and reform rather than harsh penalties.

Additionally, the survey highlights the importance of considering the economic and political implications, noting warnings from the international community regarding the bill.

The report by CDS Africa projects the critical need for balanced and informed discussions on LGBTQ+ rights, aiming to foster a more inclusive and educated society.