President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana has unequivocally affirmed his opposition to LGBTQ+ practices, emphasizing his deep-seated religious convictions and Ghana’s cultural norms as the bedrock of his stance. He reiterated the traditional understanding of gender as binary – male and female – and marriage as exclusively between a man and a woman. This declaration was made during a fellowship with clergy members at the Accra International Conference Centre, underscoring the significance of religious values in shaping his political perspective on this sensitive issue. Mahama’s commitment to upholding these values resonates with a significant portion of the Ghanaian population where traditional beliefs hold considerable sway. His pronouncements signal a clear direction for his administration’s policy on LGBTQ+ rights and activities.
President Mahama further revealed his proactive steps to revive the lapsed anti-LGBTQ+ bill, officially known as the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill. He expressed his intention to work with the Speaker of Parliament to ensure the bill’s reintroduction as a government-sponsored initiative, rather than a private member’s motion. This strategy underscores the government’s commitment to taking ownership of the legislation and signaling its importance to the nation. By spearheading the bill’s reintroduction, Mahama aims to solidify its passage and implementation, reflecting the perceived will of the people he represents. This move aligns with his earlier statement on upholding the values and beliefs of the Ghanaian populace.
The original version of the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill had received unanimous parliamentary approval in 2024 but was stalled due to a court injunction that prevented then-President Akufo-Addo from granting his assent. This legal hurdle prevented the bill from becoming law, leaving its fate uncertain. President Mahama acknowledged that with the dissolution of the previous Parliament, the bill had effectively expired according to constitutional procedures. This necessitates its reintroduction and subsequent passage through the legislative process anew.
The President’s decision to champion the revival of this bill signals his administration’s intention to prioritize legislation that reflects what he perceives as the prevailing social and cultural norms in Ghana. His actions suggest an understanding of the potential political ramifications of this issue, and a willingness to engage with it directly. The reintroduction of the bill is likely to spark renewed debate and scrutiny, both domestically and internationally, regarding human rights, individual freedoms, and the role of religious and cultural values in shaping public policy.
The implications of this revived legislation, if passed, are far-reaching for the LGBTQ+ community in Ghana. The original bill proposed a range of restrictions and penalties for LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies, including criminalizing same-sex relationships, advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, and the provision of support services. The reintroduction of similar provisions could have severe consequences for the safety, well-being, and fundamental rights of LGBTQ+ Ghanaians, potentially pushing them further into the margins and exposing them to discrimination and persecution. The international community, human rights organizations, and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups will likely monitor the bill’s progress closely.
The unfolding legislative process surrounding the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill will be a crucial test of Ghana’s balancing act between upholding traditional values and respecting human rights. The debate will likely involve complex legal, ethical, and societal considerations. The outcome will significantly impact the lives of LGBTQ+ Ghanaians and shape the country’s social and political landscape in the coming years. President Mahama’s public commitment to this legislation positions it as a central issue in his administration’s agenda and sets the stage for a potentially contentious national dialogue.
