ACCRA (Reuters) – Ghana’s parliament passed an anti-LGBTQ bill in February, but a senior official from the presidency has stated that it should not be sent to President Akufo-Addo for approval until legal challenges against it are resolved.
The legislation, passed unanimously, aims to crack down on the rights of LGBTQ individuals and those who are accused of promoting minority sexual or gender identities in Ghana.
If the bill becomes law, it could potentially endanger $3.8 billion in World Bank financing for Ghana over the next several years, which would also impact a $3 billion IMF loan package, according to the finance ministry.
In a letter dated March 18, Nana Asante Bediatuo, Secretary to the President, addressed the Clerk of parliament, stating that it would be “improper” for the bill to be sent to the president’s office before the supreme court rules on the legal challenges against it.
After the Clerk attempted to submit the bill to the president, which would trigger a seven-day period for his approval or rejection, Bediatuo emphasized that the Attorney General and Minister of Justice advised against any action on the bill, which is considered one of the strictest of its kind in Africa.
“In the circumstances, you are kindly requested to cease from transmitting the bill to the president until the matters before the Supreme Court are resolved,” the letter stated, confirmed by two sources in parliament.
Currently, gay sex in Ghana is punishable by up to three years in prison, but the bill increases penalties by imposing a potential prison sentence of up to five years for the promotion, sponsorship, or support of LGBTQ+ activities.
According to the LGBTQ community, the passage of the bill has already made life more difficult for sexual minorities in Ghana, leading some individuals to fear for their safety. Activist Angel Maxine, a Ghanaian trans woman, disclosed that she fled to Berlin before the bill was passed and is concerned for her friends in Ghana.
The United States has expressed deep concern over the legislation and called for a review of its constitutionality.
During a visit to Ghana, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva emphasized the importance of inclusivity for the country’s success. She stated that Ghana would thrive if everyone could contribute fully to society when asked about the controversial legislation.
(Reporting by Maxwell Akalaare Adombila; Editing by Bate Felix)
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