A senior official in Ghana's presidency has urged that the anti-LGBTQ bill, passed by parliament in February, should not be forwarded to President Akufo-Addo for assent until two legal challenges against it are resolved.
- A senior official in Ghana's presidency has urged that the anti-LGBTQ bill, passed by parliament in February, should not be forwarded to President Akufo-Addo for assent.
- Ghana's Attorney General and Minister of Justice has advised the President against acting on the bill, noting it as one of the most stringent of its kind in Africa.
- The bill increases penalties, imposing a prison sentence of up to five years for the "wilful promotion, sponsorship, or support of LGBTQ+ activities".
The legislation, unanimously passed by lawmakers, aims to intensify the suppression of LGBTQ rights and individuals advocating for lesbian, gay, or other minority sexual or gender identities in the West African nation, Reuters reported.
Nana Asante Bediatuo, Secretary to the President, said in the letter dated March 18 and addressed to the Clerk of the West African nation's parliament that it was "improper" for the president's office to receive the bill as required by law until the supreme court rules on challenges against it.
The letter came following an attempt by the Clerk to formally present the bill to the president, triggering a seven-day period for his approval or rejection.
Bediatuo noted that Ghana's Attorney General and Minister of Justice has similarly advised the President against acting on the bill, noting it as one of the most stringent of its kind in Africa.
The controversial bill
Gay sex is already punishable by up to three years in prison in Ghana. The bill increases penalties, imposing a prison sentence of up to five years for the "wilful promotion, sponsorship, or support of LGBTQ+ activities".
The approval of the bill coincides with Ghana's efforts to recover from a severe economic crisis and debt default. The country sought a $3 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund, along with financing from the World Bank.
If enacted into law, the bill has the potential to result in a loss of $3.8 billion in World Bank financing over the next five to six years, thereby jeopardizing a $3 billion IMF loan package, as indicated by the finance ministry.
Earlier this month, President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana has said the bill has not yet reached his desk. However, the President has said that Ghana is steadfast in maintaining its human rights record and mentioned that the bill had faced legal challenges in the Supreme Court.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said it is closely monitoring events in Ghana.
Source: Businessinsider Africa
