Prez Akufo-Addo ‘dilly-dallies’ on assenting Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill?

The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has broken his silence over the controversies surrounding the passage of the anti-LGBTQ+ bill.

The bill, originally referred to as “Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill”, was passed by Parliament on Wednesday, February 27, 2024 to prohibit homosexual activities in the country.

The framers of the bill have proposed a 6-month to 5 years jail sentence to offenders of the provisions against the LGBTQ+ society.

But the international community and some section of the Ghanaian populace have condemned the bill, stating it is inhumane and detrimental to the persons who identify with the LGBTQ+ community.

The opposition is therefore calling on the President not to assent to the bill.

Responding to the hullabaloo regarding the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, the President, in a statement copied to DailyNewsGhana.com, has served notice that his decision to assent to the bill or otherwise might delay.

The President cited a Supreme Court case by some persons in the country challenging the constitutionality of the bill.

Due to this, he has asked the nation to “hold our hands, and await the decision of the Court” before he takes any action.

“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. 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. 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,” portions of the statement dated March 4, 2024 further said.

Read full statement below: