Ghanaian President John Mahama has announced that a contentious bill aimed at criminalizing LGBTQ+ activities will face rigorous scrutiny before it receives official approval.
Speaking at the Chatham House think tank in London, Mahama clarified that because the measure originated as a private member's motion rather than a government-sponsored bill, his legal counsel and attorney general must ensure the text is sound.
The president noted that the bill could be referred to the Council of State if procedural or legal issues are identified. The legislation, which has been pushed by religious leaders seeking to uphold traditional Ghanaian family values, has faced a long and complex path through parliament.
A previous version of the bill was stalled under former President Nana Akufo-Addo, who cited pending Supreme Court challenges as grounds for withholding his assent.
While proponents argue the law is necessary to protect the nation's social fabric, some minority lawmakers have criticized the current iteration as being too lenient, noting that recent amendments provide exemptions for healthcare and media professionals.
Conversely, the bill maintains strict penalties for those who identify as LGBTQ+ or act as 'allies.' While international activist groups have pressured the Ghanaian government to abandon the legislation, the move reflects a broader trend across Africa, where nations are increasingly asserting their national sovereignty to reject Western-imposed social agendas in favor of traditional moral standards.
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