President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, has urged international partners to acknowledge Ghana’s position on LGBTQ issues, emphasizing that the country’s public policy is influenced by its legal heritage, cultural norms, and societal agreement.
He made these statements yesterday while addressing a question during a ceremony in the United States, where he received an international accolade. His remarks come amid renewed global scrutiny regarding Ghana’s approach to LGBTQ+ rights.
In discussing the topic, President Mahama pointed out that discussions surrounding LGBTQ rights are intricate and remain unresolved not just in Ghana but globally, including in the United States, where varying legal frameworks still exist.
“The matter of LGBTQ rights is complex, and the discussions around it are not fully settled, both in Ghana and worldwide. Even in the U.S., there are ongoing debates concerning LGBTQ rights, with 26 states having laws that limit these rights,” he stated.
The President explained that the contentious anti-LGBTQ bill currently under consideration in Parliament is not a government-initiated proposal but rather a private members’ bill, thus remaining within the jurisdiction of the legislature.
He noted that Ghana’s democratic institutions are actively involved in examining this issue, receiving input from a wide range of stakeholders, including civil society organizations. He expressed optimism that the final decision will reflect the desires of the Ghanaian populace.
“I took an oath to uphold the Constitution. The representatives of the people will deliberate on the bill, and once it is passed, it will be presented to the presidency. The Constitution provides various avenues for addressing it. If I disagree with the bill, I can return it to Parliament. If there are matters that require attention, we have the Council of State, a higher advisory body, to which I can refer for guidance,” he elaborated.
President Mahama emphasized that Ghana’s handling of this issue should be viewed within its distinct national context. “I believe our international partners should recognize that public policy is rooted in our legal traditions, cultural background, and social consensus, all of which are currently at play,” he added.
His comments follow reports that Lincoln University has retracted its plans to award him an honorary doctorate due to concerns about his perceived views on LGBTQ+ rights.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong