Akufo-Addo refusing to sign anti-LGBTQI+ bill due to foreign aid – Mahama
The flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has attributed President Akufo-Addo’s alleged refusal to assent to the anti-LGBTQI+ bill to the country’s over-dependence on foreign aid.
During a diplomatic engagement on March 4, President Akufo-Addo emphasized that Ghana remains steadfast in its long-standing reputation for respecting human rights and adherence to the rule of law.
He clarified that the Bill is facing a legal challenge at the Supreme Court and that until a decision is arrived at, no action would be taken by his government on the private Member’s bill.
Many have interpreted the President’s response to mean he does not want to assent to the bill.
Earlier, the finance ministry warned that billions of dollars in World Bank funding could be lost if the bill became law.
Addressing the clergy during his Building Ghana Tour in Accra, Mr Mahama outlined plans to establish a self-reliant economy to prevent foreign donors from dictating to Ghana.
“Indications we are getting is that he [Akufo-Addo] says he won’t sign it because somebody has filed a suit with the Supreme Court so he has become entangled with some legal issues.
“This is just the reason for being self-reliant. If you are not self-reliant that is when people can dictate to you. If we were self-reliant nobody would come ask us to do this or do that and so one of the key economic policies we must pursue is one of self-reliance,” Mr Mahama said.
It will be recalled that Parliament, in early February 2024, approved a custodial sentence of three to five years for any willful promotion, sponsorship, or support of LGBTQ+ activities.
Those caught engaging in LGBTQ+ activities are to face a minimum sentence of six months and a maximum of three years.
The passage of the bill has triggered reactions from some of Ghana’s Development Partners, International Financial Institutions, and CSOs in the country.