Accra – Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo has announced that he will not give his approval to a controversial anti-gay bill until the Supreme Court of the country rules on its constitutionality. This decision comes after warnings from the finance ministry that Ghana could risk losing billions of dollars in World Bank funding if the bill becomes law. The bill, which was passed by Members of Parliament last week, proposes jail terms of up to three years for identifying as LGBTQ+ and five years for promoting LGBTQ+ activities.
Legal challenges to the bill have been mounted, with the Supreme Court challenger arguing that there was not a sufficient quorum present when the bill was passed. Under Ghanaian parliamentary rules, at least half of the 275 MPs must be present and participate in a vote for a bill to be sent to the president for approval. The lack of information on the number of MPs involved in the vote raises questions about the validity of the process.
President Akufo-Addo’s stance on the bill has evolved, initially stating he would sign it if the majority of Ghanaians supported it. However, he now aims to reassure the diplomatic community of Ghana’s commitment to upholding human rights, stating that the bill has raised concerns among international partners. The President emphasized that Ghana will not deviate from its longstanding commitment to human rights and the rule of law.
The bill has faced international condemnation, particularly from the UK and the US, with rights groups labeling it as regressive. The financial implications of passing the bill are significant, with the finance ministry warning of potential losses in World Bank funding. Ghana is currently grappling with an economic crisis, having received a bailout from the IMF last year.
With presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for December, it is uncertain whether the Supreme Court will rule on the bill by then. Some human rights groups have filed cases to halt the bill, but delays in court proceedings may impact the timing of any ruling. The upcoming elections will mark the transition to a new president, as President Akufo-Addo completes his two-term limit.