The recent passage of the Anti-LGBTQ+ bill by Ghana’s Parliament has sparked a debate about the motivations behind the decision. Audrey Gadzekpo, the Board Chair of the Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), has raised concerns that the bill was driven more by political considerations than national interests.
In a statement on JoyNews’ The Pulse, Professor Gadzekpo suggested that the bill’s proponents may have had ulterior motives. She questioned the true intentions of the bill’s chief proponent, Sam George, pointing out his previous defense of LGBTQ+ rights in 2015.
The Anti-LGBTQ+ bill, which received unanimous approval in Parliament after nearly three years of deliberation, imposes strict penalties on individuals involved in prohibited activities. Offenders could face imprisonment ranging from six months to three years, while sponsors and promoters could be sentenced to three to five years’ imprisonment.
Professor Gadzekpo urged President Akufo-Addo not to assent to the bill, highlighting the potential detrimental effects of prioritizing political considerations over societal well-being. The passage of the bill has generated mixed reactions from various stakeholders, underscoring the ongoing debate around LGBTQ+ rights in Ghana.
