During a meeting on Tuesday, January 14, President Mahama proposed that a government-sponsored version of the bill would be more effective than the existing Private Member’s Bill.

He noted that such an approach would facilitate broader consultation and foster national consensus on the issue.

President Mahama also stressed the need to revise school curriculums to include moral and cultural education that reinforces Ghanaian and African values among children.

Speaking at the meeting, Most Reverend Matthew Gyamfi, President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference, urged the government to act decisively on the matter.

“What we want is for the bill to be made into law. That does not mean it cannot also be taught in schools once it becomes law. Many of our laws are incorporated into school curriculums through civic education and other subjects.

“The fact that it should be taught does not negate the need for it to become law. Ghanaians are overwhelmingly in favor of this, and we do not want technical language to undermine the will of the people,” Reverend Gyamfi stated.

The Bishops reaffirmed their commitment to advocating for the protection of Ghanaian family values and called on the government to prioritize the swift enactment of the bill.

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In his view, the challenge against the Bill at the Supreme Court should not prevent the President from doing the will of the people.

A peeved Lawrence Tetteh called out his fellow clergymen and women over their loud silence since the bill was passed by Parliament in February this year.

“Some prayers must also be held that will prove that the heart of the king is in the hands of God” he said.

Dr. Lawrence Tetteh joins a long list of religious leaders and groups who are mounting pressure on President Akufo-Addo to sign the Bill into Law.

The presidency in a letter to the Clerk to Parliament on March 18, 2024, indicated that President Akufo-Addo would refrain from giving his assent until the Supreme Court gives it ruling on the case.

About the passage of the anti-gay Bill:

Parliament of Ghana on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, passed the Promotion of Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill.

The bill proscribes Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) activities and criminalizes their promotion, advocacy, and funding.

Persons caught in these acts face up to a three-year jail term, with promoters and sponsors facing a three to five-year jail term.

President Akufo-Addo has stated that he would only decide on the Bill after the suits against it are resolved by the Supreme Court.

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He questioned its necessity and appropriateness, contending that such legislation shouldn’t have been tabled in the first place.

Mr. Okudzeto believes there are no valid grounds for state interference in the private affairs of consenting adults.

In an interview with Accra-based TV3 on Wednesday, Mr. Okudzeto questioned the perceived correlation between individuals intimate relationships and the broader economy.

He argued against subjecting the actions of adults in their private spaces to governmental oversight, stressing the importance of personal freedoms and privacy rights.

Mr. Okudzeto also questioned the clergy for their exclusive emphasis on homosexuality as a sin warranting legislative action.

He challenged whether the clergy are equally vocal and proactive in addressing other sins outlined in the Bible.

He argued that, the focus on anti-LGBTQ+ legislation distracts from addressing critical socio-economic challenges affecting all Ghanaians.

“We have even tried to induce the churches, they are all running around calling on the president to sign the bill. All the sins which are listed in the Bible, what have they been doing about it? LGBTQI is the only one they have seen? We talk about corruption, corruption, from the messenger to the top, every one of us is involved in corruption.

“When a man and woman go and sleep in the bedroom, is that my business? How does that affect the economy? How does that put food out of my mouth? Does that affect my education? So I have a different view altogether. I think the whole concept, is completely out of the issue…We are preoccupied with someone sitting with a man or a woman sitting with a woman as being a national issue. The whole thing about LGBTQI is a nonsense issue, it should not have come in the first place,” Mr. Okudzeto said.

Parliament on February 28, unanimously passed the bill on Human Sexual Rights and Family Values also known as the anti-LGBTQ bill.

Its transmission to President Akufo-Addo for his assent is stalled after two citizens challenged the constitutionality of the bill.

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In an interview on Joy News’ PM Express, Asiedu Nketia claimed that the President’s reference to a lawsuit, even before it was filed, indicated a calculated effort to hinder the bill’s progress.

He argued that the President’s decision not to sign the bill citing the court case was merely an excuse, suggesting his involvement in the legal proceedings.

Asiedu Nketia further cast doubt on the independence of the plaintiff, private legal practitioner Richard Dela Sky, insinuating that he had ties to the government.

Additionally, he pointed to Sky’s association with the Attorney-General’s chamber and Majority Leader’s office, alleging a conflict of interest in the lawsuit.

Despite the host’s scepticism regarding his claims, Asiedu Nketia stood by his assertions, asserting that he possessed evidence to support his allegations against Sky.

Expressing disappointment in the President’s directive to parliament not to transmit the bill, Asiedu Nketia argued that there was no legal basis for such a move.

He contended that the court injunction sought to block the President from signing the bill, not from receiving it, implying that the President’s refusal to receive it was unwarranted.

Asiedu Nketia accused President Akufo-Addo of lacking the courage to admit his reluctance to sign the bill outright, suggesting a hidden agenda behind his actions.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court is yet to address the case filed against the bill, adding further complexity to the ongoing legal and political debate surrounding LGBTQI+ rights in Ghana.

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According to the Fund, this will only follow an assessment of the economic and financial implications of the bill.

In a statement on the issue, the Fund stressed that “Diversity and inclusion are values that the IMF embraces.”

“Our internal policies prohibit discrimination based on personal characteristics, including but not limited to gender, gender expression, or sexual orientation. Like institutions, diverse and inclusive economies flourish,” the statement from the Fund added.

The comment by the IMF comes on the back of the legislation passed by Ghana’s lawmakers on Wednesday, March 28, with support from both the ruling party and the opposition.

It is seeking to criminalises LGBTQ+ activities, as well as their promotion, advocacy, and funding.

Under the new bill, those found guilty could face a jail term ranging from 6 months to 3 years, while those promoting and sponsoring the act could face a jail term between 3 to 5 years.

Acknowledging the importance of the situation, the IMF noted that it is “watching recent developments in Ghana closely.”

The Fund added that, “We cannot comment on a bill that has not yet been signed into law and whose economic and financial implications we have yet to assess.”

Ghana has been seeking a bailout from the IMF following an economic downturn. The first and second tranches have hit the Bank of Ghana’s account. However, with the passage of the Bill, Ghana’s prospects of securing the third tranche have become uncertain.

Following the news of Ghana’s anti-LGBTQ legislation, the country’s dollar bonds experienced a decline, ranking as the second-worst performers in a Bloomberg index monitoring emerging-market sovereign hard-currency debt on Thursday. 

All 14 of Ghana’s dollar notes in the gauge saw a drop in value, with the bonds maturing in 2034 experiencing the most significant impact, plummeting to 43.34 cents on the dollar, marking their lowest level since January 12.

Meanwhile, pressure mounts on President Akufo-Addo to assent to the Bill.

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According to Dr. Kwabena Opuni Frimpong, it is a matter of national concern requiring his decisive action.

He stated that while not all Ghanaians oppose LGBTQ+ rights, a significant consensus exists among traditional leaders, faith-based organizations, Christians, Muslims, and civil society groups against it.

Speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show, Dr. Opuni Frimpong said Parliament has discussed and passed the bill, so President Akufo-Addo signing the bill is crucial for the nation.

“We are in election season; if the president keeps waiting at parliament, it will receive a national response. If the President does not sustain the process, and even if there is a long break before you are aware, the conversation will change, and the way we do things here will become political, and it would not help anybody,” on March 1, 2024.

Dr. Opuni-Frimpong expressed concern about moral issues dividing Ghana.

The clergyman further emphasized that while anyone could take LGBTQ matters to court or Parliament again, President Akufo-Addo must sign and complete the process.

“Ever since the past two and a half years, the issue has gone to Parliament. You realized that people became a bit calmer, and that is the cohesion I am talking about. Not everybody agrees, but there is a level of cohesion. If we wait a little bit, then the decision would come: which party would support it, which party does not support it, which MP supports it, and which MP does not support it.

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Mr Annor has said the news of the passage on Wednesday, February 28, hit hard that he couldn’t concentrate at work and had to take the day off.

In a Facebook post, the US-based journalist said he feels the pain of every Ghanaian yearning to be themselves and has also lost an opportunity to visit his family.

“Here is what I know, living in truth is the most powerful tool I know,” he stated.

Ignatius for the first time in February 2021 openly declared he was gay.

According to Ignatius Annor, he had kept his alignment with the community a secret for fear of losing his job and the stigma that it could generate.

Although his mother in January 2017, mentioned such a community is “demonic”, the activist believes his mother’s stand was because of “what has repeatedly been fed into the mind and ultimately the hearts of people.”

Read the full post below:

Meanwhile, the Bill currently proscribes lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) activities and criminalises their promotion, advocacy and funding.

Persons caught in these acts would be subjected to six months to three-year jail term with promoters and sponsors of these acts bearing a three to five-year jail term.

The Bill would now require presidential assent to come into force.

But critics have called on Akufo-Addo to reject the Bill, arguing it violates and infringes on fundamental human rights and have threatened to initiate legal action against it.

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According to her, the Bill infringes upon the basic human rights of Ghanaians and undermines their constitutional rights to freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, and freedom of the press.

This was contained in an X post on the official page of the U.S. Embassy in Ghana on February 29.

The US Ambassador also stated that the Bill, if enacted, would affect Ghana’s economy and international reputation.

See tweet below:

"I am saddened because some of the smartest, most creative, most decent people I know are LGBT. The bill Parliament passed takes away not only their basic human rights but those of all Ghanaians because it undermines their constitutional rights to freedom of speech, freedom of… https://t.co/DgCJ7qkpPl

— U.S. Embassy Ghana (@USEmbassyGhana) February 29, 2024

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According to the group, the bill was unnecessary as some of the issues it seeks to tackle are already catered for in various criminal laws.

Speaking on behalf of the Civil Society Group on JoyNews’ The Pulse, Board Chair of CDD-Ghana, Professor Audrey Gadzekpo, said“ We are not prevaricating, we are against the entire bill. We say the bill is not necessary because some of the provisions that I think make people say yes, we need a bill like that have already been catered for in our criminal law.”

“For example, paedophilia so Honorable Afenyo Markin said as you can see he is not touching paedophilia, he thinks that pedophilia should be punished and he is right. Paedophilia should be punished but we have already a criminal code that punishes paedophilia. It addresses paedophilia.”

She argued that regarding the issue of homosexuality, portions of the criminal code already address it. Therefore, she could not understand the need to propose another bill to punish people believed to be involved in the act.

“We even already have the act that is interpreted as homosexuality. That act which says unnatural carnal knowledge, the criminal code already has it.

“So, if we don’t want people to be having sex in unnatural ways including oral sex which is in this bill then there is already a law in our criminal code inherited from our colonial masters who introduced it that it should be the case. So, exactly what is the issue?,” she added

Early on Wednesday, after nearly three years of deliberation, Parliament finally passed the highly contentious Anti-LGBTQ+ bill.

The bill, introduced in the house through a private members’ bill, was approved unanimously following the completion of the third reading.

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Minority Chief Whip Governs Agbodza emphasised that any necessary consultations regarding proposed amendments by the Deputy Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin must be completed before Wednesday.

He cautioned that the Minority would not tolerate any actions perceived as prolonging the process beyond that deadline.

The bill, which received approval from Parliament on Thursday, February 8, entails a three-to-five-year jail term for those who deliberately promote or sponsor LGBTQ activities, with individuals caught in the act facing a minimum sentence of six months and a maximum of three years.

However, Mr Afenyo-Markin raised objections to a specific provision in the bill that could lead to the imprisonment of individuals engaged in LGBTQ activities.

His intervention during the third reading of the bill prevented its immediate passage, sparking debate over the contentious legislation.

While Afenyo-Markin supports the principles outlined in the bill, he opposes the clause about the imprisonment of individuals associated with LGBTQ activities.

In response to Afenyo-Markin’s concerns, the Minority Chief Whip reiterated that any further delays in the approval process would not be tolerated.

“We should also be clear in our minds that we will not unduly always find a reason to postpone the progress of this bill to another day.

“Because, as we said the other day, everything that he [Afenyo-Markin] has raised in his proposal, he took about an hour here speaking about it, but he keeps giving reasons why we cannot deal with it.

“So we are giving him ample time to do the consultation because there will be no more filibustering after Wednesday.”

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“My faith as an Assemblies of God member is against LGBTQ. Because the faith I have does not support a man to marry a man and a woman marry a woman,” he said

The former President was speaking at an open forum with clergymen in Koforidua as part of his ‘Building Ghana Tour’ of the Eastern region on Wednesday, January 31, 2024.

“I personally believe a man is a man and a woman is a woman. I don’t believe one can get up in a day and opt to change his gender because he feels like. Nature created us man and woman and God knew what he was doing when he created us like that. So my personal faith is against it,” he noted.

Parliament, through a Private Members’ motion is considering laws governing the actions of the LGBTQ community and individuals in Ghana, which has received widespread support from faith-based organizations.

However, there are some who oppose the b\Bill and have described it as an infringement on human rights.

The Promotion of Proper Sexual Rights and Family Values law, also known as the Anti-gay/LGBTQ law, has sparked a number of debates since its presentation in Parliament, with many describing it as draconian.

The Bill intends to ban homosexual propaganda, advocacy, funding, and activities. It increases prison sentences to up to ten years for LGBTQ+ supporters and three years for anyone identifying as such.

Furthermore, the measure proposes withdrawing health services from this group, including HIV medicines.

The progress of the controversial bill in parliament has been very slow since it was first laid before the House in 2021.

Currently, the Bill has been stuck at the consideration stage, and attempts by a proponent Sam George, to get the bill presented before the house have proven futile.

In his latest attempt, Deputy Majority Chief Whip, Lydia Alhassan, said there was enough time before Parliament’s break to deal with the matters relating to the bill.

She added that the Chairman of the Committee, who proposed the amendment in the bill was indisposed at the time and absent on the floor.

However, reacting to the reason in a press conference held after the house was adjourned, Sam George described the further postponement as untenable.

He is convinced some Majority MPs have been influenced by pro-LGBT campaigners to stall the progress of the Bill.

He has threatened to name them should the Bill hit any more snags.

“The excuse given today that the chairman of the committee is not in the chamber so we can’t take the amendments is alien to the practice of this house.”

“Those who have gone and gotten influenced by persons who have an interest in the LGBTQ should return whatever influence they have collected because we will fight, and the next time we address the media, I will mention names.

“I’ve been impressed upon today by my co-sponsors, not to mention names and it’s out of respect for them that I’m not mentioning names… How can this bill spend almost three years, this bill was introduced in 2021,” he exclaimed.

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The human rights organisation in a public statement on Monday said the Bill gravely contravenes the principles of equality and non-discrimination, the rights to freedom of expression, association and privacy, and the prohibition of torture enshrined in the 1992 Constitution of Ghana and international human rights treaties ratified by the country.

More specifically, Amnesty said the bill denies LGBTI persons the human dignity guaranteed to all persons under section 15 of the country’s Constitution.

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“At a time when other countries around the world, including Angola and Gabon are lifting discriminatory laws targeting people for their real or perceived sexual orientation, Ghana must not go in the opposite direction,” the statement said.

“The Ghanaian authorities are encouraged to protect equality and non-discrimination and other fundamental human rights of all people in Ghana,” it said.

Amnesty’s condemnation of the bill follows a similar statement by United Nations experts which urged the government to reject a proposed ‘family values’ bill, saying it seeks to establish a system of state-sponsored discrimination and violence against the LGBTI community in the country.

Check out the statement below:

Meanwhile, the ‘Proper Human Sexual and Ghanaian Family Values Bill’ 2021 also known as the Anti LGBTQI+ bill seeks to criminalise the advocacy and practice of homosexuality in Ghana.

It prescribes that people of the same sex who engage in sexual activity could be fined or jailed for between three to five years.

The Bill is a private members’ legislation being sponsored by eight Members of Parliament (MP); seven from the National Democratic Congress and one from the New Patriotic Party.

The MPs are Samuel Nartey George, Ningo-Prampram MP; Emmanuel Bedzrah, Ho West MP; Della Adjoa Sowah, Kpando MP; John Ntim Fordjour, Assin South MP and Alhassan Sayibu Suhuyini, Tamale North MP.

The rest are Helen Adjoa Ntoso, Krachi West MP; Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, La Dadekotopon MP and Rockson Nelson Dafeamekpor, South Dayi, MP.

This follows a mandatory period of gazetting.

Also known as the Anti LGBTQI+ bill, it seeks to criminalise the advocacy and practice of homosexuality in Ghana.

It prescribes that people of the same sex who engage in sexual activity could be fined or jailed for between three to five years.

The Bill is a private members’ legislation being sponsored by eight Members of Parliament (MP); seven from the National Democratic Congress and one from the New Patriotic Party.

The MPs are Samuel Nartey George, Ningo-Prampram MP; Emmanuel Bedzrah, Ho West MP; Della Adjoa Sowah, Kpando MP; John Ntim Fordjour, Assin South MP and Alhassan Sayibu Suhuyini, Tamale North MP.

The rest are Helen Adjoa Ntoso, Krachi West MP; Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, La Dadekotopon MP and Rockson Nelson Dafeamekpor, South Dayi, MP.

Prior to this day, the MPs held a prayer session that saw the immediate past Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, Prof Opoku Oyinah in attendance.

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On behalf of the coalition of religious groups, he called for the immediate passage of the bill into law.

Meanwhile, Mr George, who is a leading force, has stressed the Coalition of MPs against LGBTQ+ will not kowtow to threats from forces seeking to promote activities of the LGBTQI+ community in Ghana.

According to him, there have been varied comments and misleading reports with his comments taken out of context.

The MP, who is also a human rights lawyer, had said a passage of the bill into law will definitely have international consequences for Ghana.

He added that not only will it be a recipe for chaos but it could derail the country in several ways as well.

Mr Sosu’s comments on Friday have since generated mixed reactions among Ghanaians.

However, in a statement to set the records straight, Mr Sosu said his comment was in no way to mean he was in support of LGBTQI activities.

“For the avoidance of doubt, I am not against The Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values, Bill 2021 and I am not and will never be an advocate for gay rights although I have been a leading Human Rights advocate for over 10 years and counting.

“As President for Youth for Human Rights Africa, I have had several invitations to be a gay rights advocate but turned all of them down. This is because my personal beliefs as a Christian are against that position,” part of his statement read.

Read the full statement below:

THERE IS NO HUMAN RIGHT IN LQBTQ+ AND I AM NOT AGAINST THE PROMOTION OF PROPER HUMAN SEXUAL RIGHTS AND GHANAIAN FAMILY VALUES, BILL 2021

For the avoidance of doubt, I am not against The Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values, Bill 2021 and I am not and will never be an advocate for gay rights although I have been a leading Human Rights advocate for over 10years and counting. As President for Youth for Human Rights Africa, I have had several invitations to be a gay rights advocate but turned all of them down. This is because my personal beliefs as a Christian are against that position and the collective aspirations of the people I represent as a Member of Parliament is against this position as well.

I believe in the position that, there is no human rights in homosexuality or lesbianism and all its variance now collectively known as LGBTQ+. I have made this position clear throughout my human rights activism and everyone can cross-check that. Both in my law practice and human rights advocacy, this position has been clear. If in doubt get the full videos from TV3 and Metro TV to properly understand my position. I also have immense previous records and public positions on this matter.

NEW LGBTQ+ BILL REPRESENTS BOLD ATTEMPT TO BRING SANITY AND FINALITY ABOUT GHANA’S POSITION ON THIS MATTER

Historically our leaders have all taken position on this matter. However, we have not had any clearer position on the matter until the introduction of this Bill. This is why I believe the Bill is a bold attempt to bring sanity in that space and bring finality to the debate. I am for and would support the bill because in this time in history our society is unanimous and united on the need to proscribe the conduct and activities of LGBTQ+. Societies are dynamic. Our culture, values, and preferences change with time. Laws, particularly penal laws are generally a reflection of what the norms of general acceptance of societies are.  There is no doubt that in this day and time, the way to go is to support the Bill. We are not leaders unto ourselves. We represent the values and aspirations of our people and we must do everything to protect that.

I must also clarify that the Bill which is currently at the draft stage and will be laid before the house before being referred to the appropriate Committee for consideration in its current form has quite some issues and concerns which every lawyer must be courageous to point out though I concede, it is a great and bold attempt to bringing sanity and finality to a practice we consider alien to our culture.

It is my position that there are matters of concern in the Bill that needs to be reviewed and reconsidered to make the Bill an improved one which is reflective and consistent with our current views on sanctions which must be more reformative than retributive.

I wish to state that, in human rights advocacy and practice, there is a difference between Human Rights Protection and Human Rights Promotion. I have defended and protected the rights of many in my over 10years of human rights practice and advocacy, but I have not and will not in any way promote the rights of LGBTQ+ because as I have earlier stated I don’t believe there is human rights in the said practice. The fact that as a Lawyer or a Human Rights activist, I represent people in court, speak and fight for their rights does not mean a promotion of their acts. We protect people because it is our fundamental duty to do so whiles I stand for the promotion and protection of all the values espoused by the Bill.

MISDEMEANORS MUST GO WITH NON-CUSTODIAL SENTENCES, FINES

I am of the opinion that misdemeanors must go with non-custodial sentences such as community service or fines. I have also advocated in the alternative that we relook at removing the minimum imprisonment terms and only set a maximum term of imprisonments to allow Judges an opportunity to impose perhaps a discretionary number of days or weeks for some of such misdemeanors as well as possibly reduce the penalty units. The Bill does not also provide for mandatory treatment of such persons thrown into prison. This is in spite of our knowledge of the fact that homosexuality is higher in such confined prison facilities than open ones. The time has come where we must as a people ensure that our prisons are reformative and not retributive.

DRAWING ATTENTION TO LIKELY CONSEQUENCES NOT A SUPPORT OF THE PRACTICE

Thirdly, I was by my earlier comments, which have been widely reported in the media, seeking to draw the attention of the public that we must be ready for the international consequences associated with passing such a Bill following the choice we have made as a people (which I support). This is by no means to suggest that I seek to promote a practice I consider alien to our culture. This comment was only to draw our attention to the likely consequences of passing the Bill, some of which include the bruising of our bilateral relationships with some Development Partners, as well as funding in some Spheres or Quarters. However, we as a people have a choice to make, and I will rather be on this path in supporting the Bill at this point in time of our history.

1. HON. SPEAKER’S COMMENTS DOES NOT REPRESENT FINAL POSITION OR ACT OF PARLIAMENT, REASON BILL IS CURRENTLY AT DRAFT STAGE AND BEING CONSIDERED BY PARLIAMENT

Media Reports including publication on Ghanaweb, have sought to create misleading headlines attributed to me which seems to suggest that the posture of Rt. Hon. Speaker is not the view of Parliament. Let me be clear that the posture and views of Rt. Hon. Speaker Alban Bagbin reflects the views and sentiments of the people of Ghana on this subject. However, despite the views of Rt. Hon. Speaker, the Bill ought to go through the necessary procedures of Parliament to become an Act or Law in itself, and hence the sentiments and views of Mr. Speaker, which portrays and reflects the sentiments and views of the larger Ghanaian public or society must go through the necessary processes of Parliament to become Law.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, I wish to state that I have got values and principles as an individual, Minister of the Gospel, Lawyer and Legislator, and hence, will not render support for an ungodly practice.

However, difference in opinion on the Bill which I generally support, does not make me a Promoter or Advocate of Gay Practice, despite my protection of the right to Life of every human being. I believe the Bill in its current form must be relooked at devoid of emotions to ensure that the outcome that we all seek is one that is balanced and brings finality to the subject.

You voted us to parliament to fearlessly debate and express our views on matters so the eventual position will help us all as a people. Let us proceed cautiously when we wrongly judge people just for political experiences. We cannot rule Ghana with emotions. Leadership is by a balanced and cautious application of reasoning to the situation at hand to arrive at an outcome that resonates with the aspirations of the people.

I am committed to fearless honesty and will continue to do my best for the people of Madina and Ghanaians as a whole. I believe when the dust settles, reason shall prevail over emotions.