President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has vowed to await the Supreme Court’s verdict before deciding on the contentious anti-LGBTQ+ Bill, which was recently approved by Parliament.
This assurance follows a legal challenge against the bill initiated by an individual.
Addressing members of the Diplomatic Corps at Peduase during a New Year greetings event, President Akufo-Addo underscored Ghana’s dedication to maintaining its human rights reputation.
“I am aware that last week’s bi-partisan passage by Parliament of the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, on a Private Member’s motion, has raised considerable anxieties in certain quarters of the diplomatic community and amongst some friends of Ghana that she may be turning her back on her, hitherto, enviable, longstanding record on human rights observance and attachment to the rule of law. I want to assure you that no such back-sliding will be con-templated or occasioned.
“I think it will serve little purpose to go, at this stage, into the details of the origin of this proposed law, which is yet to reach my desk. But, suffice it to say, that I have learnt that, today, a challenge has been mounted at the Supreme Court by a concerned citizen to the constitutionality of the proposed legislation.
“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 said.
On February 28, 2024, Parliament endorsed a bill criminalizing LGBTQ+ activities, along with their promotion, advocacy, and funding.
Offenders could face imprisonment ranging from 6 months to 3 years, while those promoting and funding such activities could face 3 to 5 years in jail.
The bill’s approval has drawn criticism from various quarters, including Virginia Evelyn Palmer, the United States Ambassador to Ghana.