Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo has announced that he will not give his assent to an anti-gay bill until the Supreme Court of Ghana rules on its constitutionality. The bill, which was passed by Members of Parliament (MPs) last week, has sparked concerns over human rights violations and could potentially jeopardize billions of dollars in World Bank funding.
The proposed legislation, known as The Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values bill, imposes prison sentences of up to three years for identifying as LGBTQ+ and five years for promoting LGBTQ+ activities. However, lawyer Richard Dela Sky has challenged the bill’s passage, citing that there was not a sufficient quorum present during the vote.
Under Ghana’s parliamentary rules, at least half of the 275 MPs must be present in the chamber and participate in the voting process for a bill to move forward to the president for approval. The exact number of MPs present during the vote has yet to be disclosed by the Ghanaian media.
The bill has drawn criticism from both domestic and international actors. The United Kingdom and the United States have condemned the legislation, while human rights organizations have deemed it regressive. Concerns have been raised about the potential violation of individual rights and the impact on Ghana’s international standing.
President Akufo-Addo had previously suggested that he would sign the bill if it reflected the majority views of Ghanaians. However, his recent statement aimed to reassure the diplomatic community that Ghana remains committed to upholding human rights and the rule of law. He acknowledged the concerns raised by the bill, noting that it had caused anxiety among some international partners who fear Ghana may abandon its longstanding record of human rights observance.
The president stated, “I want to assure you that no such back-sliding will be contemplated or occasioned.” By seeking the Supreme Court’s ruling on the bill, President Akufo-Addo aims to demonstrate his commitment to a transparent and legal approach to addressing this controversial legislation.
Meanwhile, Ghana’s finance ministry highlighted the potential economic consequences of the bill. It warned that Ghana could lose a total of $3.8 billion (£3 billion) in World Bank funding over the next five to six years if the bill becomes law. This financial jeopardy comes as Ghana grapples with a major economic crisis and recently received a bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) last year.
It is uncertain whether the Supreme Court will reach a verdict on the case before the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections in December. Previous attempts by human rights groups to halt the bill’s progress were not heard before the parliamentary vote.
The upcoming elections will mark the end of President Akufo-Addo’s two-term tenure, and Ghanaians will have the opportunity to elect a new president. The issue of LGBTQ+ rights is likely to become a prominent topic of debate during the electoral campaign, highlighting the complex relationship between cultural beliefs, human rights, and international pressure.
In conclusion, President Akufo-Addo’s decision to seek the Supreme Court’s ruling on the controversial anti-gay bill reflects Ghana’s commitment to upholding human rights and its desire to maintain international cooperation. The bill’s constitutionality and potential economic consequences have drawn attention from the diplomatic community and rights organizations. As the political discourse around LGBTQ+ rights continues to evolve, Ghana’s upcoming elections will shape the country’s stance on the matter and have implications beyond its borders.
