Ghana’s President, Nana Akufo-Addo, has announced that he will await a court decision before signing the controversial anti-LGBTQ bill into law.
President Akufo-Addo’s decision comes amid growing international scrutiny and domestic debate over the bill, which seeks to criminalize LGBTQ activities and advocacy in the West African nation.
The bill, officially titled the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill 2021, was passed by Ghana’s parliament in December 2021. However, it requires presidential assent to become law.
President Akufo-Addo’s decision to delay signing the bill follows legal challenges mounted by LGBTQ activists and civil society groups. These groups argue that the bill violates Ghana’s constitution, which guarantees equal rights and protection under the law.
In a statement issued by Ghana’s presidency, President Akufo-Addo emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law and respecting the judicial process. He stated that he would not act on the bill until the courts have ruled on its constitutionality.
The bill has sparked heated debate within Ghanaian society, with proponents arguing that it reflects traditional cultural values and protects family norms. However, critics contend that it infringes on the rights and freedoms of LGBTQ individuals, perpetuating discrimination and stigma.
International human rights organizations and foreign governments have also expressed concerns about the bill’s potential impact on LGBTQ rights in Ghana. The United Nations and several Western countries have called on the Ghanaian government to uphold human rights principles and refrain from enacting discriminatory legislation.
President Akufo-Addo’s decision to await the court’s ruling signals a cautious approach to a contentious issue that has divided Ghanaian society. It remains to be seen how the court will rule and what implications this will have for LGBTQ rights and freedoms in Ghana.
