President Akufo-Addo says assenting the anti LGBTQ+ Bill into law will be put on hold pending a determination of a case at the Supreme Court.
Speaking for the first time on the issue since the passage of the Bill by Parliament, the President assured the International Community that Ghana will continue to uphold human rights values despite the passage of the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, popularly known as the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill.
In an address to diplomats on the annual new year greetings, the President noted that although the Bill is yet to reach his desk, his decision to sign the bill into law or not will be contingent on the determination of the case at the Supreme Court.
The event which is held annually to strengthen the bond of friendship and promote goodwill between Ghana and other countries as well as international organisations was attended by members of the Diplomatic Corps.
He used the opportunity to thank the diplomats for their support during the economic challenges. Parliament last month approved the bill that criminalizes LGBTQ+ activities, as well as their promotion, advocacy, and funding.
Those found guilty could face a jail term ranging from 6 months to 3 years, while those promoting and sponsoring the act could face a jail term between 3 to 5 years. President Akufo-Addo however reassured the international community that Ghana will continue to respect the human rights of its people.
He told the gathering that despite the passage of the Anti-LGBTQI+ Bill Ghana will not slip from her enviable and longstanding record as a country that respects the fundamental human rights of all persons within her territory.
Regarding the December 7 Presidential and Parliamentary elections, President Akufo-Addo reiterated the commitment of the government to support the Electoral Commission to carry out its constitutional duty of conducting a free, fair, and transparent election in Ghana.
He added that his government is clear in its mind about the duty it has to ensure that the 2024 Presidential and Parliamentary Elections are executed peacefully for the people of Ghana to elect their preferred President and parliamentarians.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey assured the top diplomats that Ghana will continue to respect the Human rights of its citizens.
The Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Maher Kheir lauded the government’s Free SHS and Digitisation drive.
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