Ghana’s finance ministry asks President not to sign anti-LGBTQ+ bill

March 5, 2024 31

Ghana’s finance ministry has advised against the President’s approval of a recent anti-LGBT bill passed by parliament, cautioning potential repercussions including the loss of $3.8bn in World Bank funding over five to six years. The bill, if signed, imposes jail terms for identifying as or promoting LGBT+ activities, sparking opposition from rights activist Linda Baumann.

In a highly unusual move, the warning from the finance ministry was leaked to several media, including the BBC. It recommends that President Nana Akufo-Addo defer signing the bill until the Supreme Court rules on whether it aligns with the Constitution. Human rights groups went to court even before it was passed by parliament but it is unlikely to be heard by the Supreme Court for some time.

Ghana’s president has seven days after receiving the bill to decide whether to sign it into law and if he doesn’t, 14 days to give reasons. Although the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values bill was passed by parliament last Thursday, it has not yet been sent to the president for his assent.

Written by: Tonata Kadhila

Anti-LGBT Bill Constitution Finance Ministry Ghana human rights Human Rights Activism LGBT Rights Nana Akufo-Addo Supreme court World Bank Funding