President Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has reassured the international community of Ghana’s steadfastness in its long-standing reputation for the respect for human rights and adherent to the rule of law despite the passage of the Anti-gay bill.
His reassurance is in relation to the passage of the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, popularly known as the Anti-Gay/LGBTQ+ Bill by Parliament recently.
The President, during a diplomatic engagement clarified that the bill is currently being challenged by a citizen in Ghana’s apex court and until the Supreme Court comes out with a decision, he is not going to take any action on the bill.
He said the nation will not backslide on what it has been known for over the years in terms of protecting the human rights of its subjects.
“l 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 contemplated or occasioned.”
Meanwhile, the President had earlier indicated that he is not going to assent to any Private Members’ bill that imposes a custodial sentencing due to its associated cost on the consolidated fund.
The President, has, however, indicated that his office is yet to receive the bill to initiate any formal action.
He indicated that any decision he makes regarding the Bill would be contingent upon the outcome of the lawsuit filed against it in the Supreme Court.
“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,” the President added.
The President’s statement comes on the back of the brouhaha stemming out of the passage of the bill by Parliament.
On February 28, 2024, Parliament approved a bill criminalizing LGBTQ activities and prohibiting their promotion, advocacy, and funding.
Under the legislation, individuals convicted of such acts could be sentenced to 6 months to 3 years in prison, while those promoting or sponsoring such activities could face 3 to 5 years behind bars.
The Ministry of Finance has also asked the President not to sign the bill since it will jeopardise the relationship between Ghana and its development partners saying it cost the nation so much in terms of support.
Anti-Gay Bill: NDC will brand NPP as pro-gay party if Akufo-Addo refuses to sign – Foh Amoaning
