Ghana President Nana Akufo-Addo has withheld his assent on anti-LGBTQ bill until the country’s Supreme Court determines its constitutionality.
The bill, titled “The Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values,” triggered widespread condemnation from Ghana and the international community, including the UK and the US.
Ghana’s head of state sort for more time to delve into details surrounding the proposed law as well as wait for a decision by the Supreme Court before any action is take.
He also noted that 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.
“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,” reads part of a statement by President Nana Akufo-Addo.
“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.”
Economic Impact of Assenting the Bill
President Nana’s decision comes in the wake of warnings from the finance ministry that Ghana could lose a staggering $3.8 billion in World Bank funding over the next five to six years if the bill becomes law.
The finance ministry’s leaked warning emphasized the potential economic repercussions of the anti-LGBT legislation.
Ghana, grappling with a major economic crisis, received a bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) last year.
Therefore, losing the World Bank funding would pose substantial risk to the country’s ongoing economic recovery.
Also Read: UN Warns Ghana Against the Anti-LGBTQ Law
The Anti-LGBTQ Bill
The bill, approved by Members of Parliament last week, proposes severe penalties, including a three-year jail term for identifying as LGBTQ+ and a five-year sentence for promoting such activities.
Human rights groups in the country swiftly challenged the bill in court even before it secured parliamentary approval, highlighting the contentious nature of the proposed law.
Ghana currently criminalizes gay sex, punishable by a three-year prison sentence.
However, the proposed bill represents a significant build up in the legal consequences for individuals and organizations associated with the LGBTQ+ community.
President Akufo-Addo, who had initially expressed his willingness to sign the bill if the majority of Ghanaians supported it, now seeks to assure both the diplomatic community and international allies that Ghana remains committed to upholding human rights.
Acknowledging the concerns raised, he stated, “I want to assure you that no such back-sliding will be contemplated or occasioned.”
Mounting Political and Economic Pressure in Ghana
Similarly, the timing of the bill’s passage adds a layer of complexity, as the Supreme Court is unlikely to rule on its constitutionality before the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for December.
President Akufo-Addo, in his final term, faces a critical decision that could have far-reaching consequences on both human rights and Ghana’s economic stability.
The delay by the head of state also provides an opportunity for further dialogue and assessment of the bill’s potential impact.
Also Read: World Bank Freezes Loans to Uganda Because of Anti-Gay Laws
International reactions to the bill have been swift and critical. The US, UK, and various human rights groups have denounced the proposed legislation as regressive.
Last year under similar circumstances, the World Bank suspended new loans to Uganda in response to similar anti-LGBT legislation, indicating the potential for significant consequences on international financial support.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) refrained from commenting on the bill, citing its status as not yet signed into law. However, an IMF spokesperson emphasized the organization’s commitment to values of diversity and inclusion.
