Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo has announced that he will not sign the anti-LGBTQ+ bill into law at this time.
The bill, which was passed by Parliament on February 28, seeks to criminalize LGBTQ activities, with offenders facing up to three years in jail. Additionally, individuals found guilty of advertising, promoting, or sponsoring LGBTQ+ activities could face up to five years in prison.
Since the passage of the bill, pressure has mounted on the president from lawmakers who sponsored the bill to sign it into law. One such lawmaker, Sam George, emphasized the importance of the bill in upholding Ghanaian cultural values and protecting children and the nation’s future.
However, amidst calls for the bill’s enactment, human rights groups have urged the president not to sign it into law. One coalition against the bill has threatened legal action if the president signs it.
Responding to these pressures, President Akufo-Addo stated during diplomatic New Year greetings with members of the diplomatic corps that he would wait before taking any action on the bill. He acknowledged the concerns raised by the international community regarding Ghana’s human rights record, especially in light of the bill’s passage.
The president’s decision comes in the wake of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights expressing serious concerns about the bill, warning that it could lead to increased prejudice, hate crimes, and police abuse. Other international actors, including the US ambassador to Ghana and financial institutions like the IMF and World Bank, have also voiced their reservations about the bill’s potential impact on Ghana’s international reputation and economy.
In light of these developments, President Akufo-Addo emphasized the need to await the outcome of a legal challenge filed against the bill in the Supreme Court. He urged patience while the court deliberates on the constitutionality of the law.
The finance ministry has also advised the president to hold off on signing the bill, citing potential economic implications. According to a report assessing the economic impact of the bill, Ghana stands to lose billions of dollars in World Bank funding and other financial support if the bill becomes law.
While some lawmakers and economic experts have questioned the legitimacy of international pressure on Ghana, others have expressed concern about the potential consequences of the bill on the country’s international relationships and economic stability.
As the debate continues, Ghanaian society awaits further developments on the fate of the anti-LGBTQ+ bill and its implications for the nation’s future.