Ghana President Demands Scrutiny of Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill Before Signing

Ghana's president has ordered thorough scrutiny of a controversial anti-LGBTQ+ bill that cleared parliament last year, raising fresh uncertainty about whether he will sign it into law. The announcement marks a significant shift in the legislative saga that has drawn sharp criticism from Western governments and raised questions about the country's international standing.

President Orders Legislative Review

The president told reporters at the presidency in Accra that the bill requires careful examination before he makes any commitment. His office confirmed the bill would undergo additional review, though officials did not specify a timeline for a final decision. The move comes after months of pressure from both conservative religious groups and international partners.

The bill, which parliament passed in February 2024, would criminalise-identify,-being-in-same-sex-relationships-and-expand-existing-penalties-for-propagating-queer-identity. Current Ghanaian law already criminalises gay sex with prison terms of up to three years, but the new legislation goes further by targeting advocacy, recruitment, and public expression of LGBTQ+ identity.

Western Governments React

The United States and several European Union member states have warned that enacting the bill could jeopardise development assistance and trade preferences. Washington has explicitly linked future funding to human rights commitments, while Brussels has indicated the bill could complicate ongoing EU-Ghana negotiations on a trade partnership agreement.

Rights groups operating in Accra say the uncertainty is already affecting their work. Several organisations have reported increased difficulty opening bank accounts and renewing registration with government agencies since the bill passed parliament. The Ghanaian Psychological Association raised concerns last year about the bill's potential impact on mental health services for vulnerable populations.

Religious Coalition Backs Legislation

A coalition of Christian and Muslim groups that championed the bill celebrated parliament's initial passage but acknowledged the president's concerns deserve consideration. Leaders from the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council held meetings with government officials in Accra this week, arguing the legislation reflects deeply held cultural and religious values shared by the majority of Ghanaian citizens.

The coalition's legal advisor told local media the group remains confident the president will eventually sign the bill. "We trust the process," the advisor said. "The president understands the will of the people." The coalition has organised rallies in Kumasi and Tamale in support of the legislation over the past year.

Economic Implications

Analysts tracking Ghana's economic recovery watch the situation closely. The country emerged from a debt restructuring programme in 2023 and relies heavily on multilateral lending and bilateral development loans. Financial observers note that major development partners increasingly tie aid packages to human rights protections, creating pressure on governments across the continent.

Ghana's tourism sector, which contributed approximately 6.2 percent of gross domestic product before the pandemic, could face setbacks if the bill becomes law. Industry representatives in the coastal regions have privately expressed concerns about potential boycotts, though official tourism bodies have not issued public statements.

Continental Context

Ghana's debate unfolds against a backdrop of intensifying tensions across Africa over LGBTQ+ rights. Uganda enacted sweeping anti-queer legislation in 2023 that drew international condemnation and prompted the World Bank to pause new lending to the country. Kenya's courts are currently reviewing similar legislation, while Tanzania has maintained restrictive policies that aid organisations say limit health interventions.

African Union officials have avoided direct intervention in member states' legislative choices, though the bloc's human rights framework offers mechanisms for challenging discrimination. The African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights has previously ruled against criminalisation of same-sex conduct, though such rulings carry no enforcement mechanism.

What Happens Next

Presidential aides indicate the review will involve consultations with the attorney general's office and the justice ministry. The president retains the option to return the bill to parliament for amendments, sign it into law, or decline to act, which would allow it to become law without his signature after a specified period.

Watch for the president's formal statement, expected within the coming weeks. Parliament would need to reconvene to address any amendments, which could delay finalisation until the next session. Rights advocates say they will continue documenting the impact on marginalised communities while the review proceeds.