Official statements or policy announcements from President John Mahama

Ghana Supreme Court Dismisses Challenges by Dela-Sky and Odoi, Clears Path for Anti-LGBTQ Bill

Dec 18, 2024, 02:38 PM

Ghana's Supreme Court has dismissed two legal challenges filed by Richard Dela-Sky and Amanda Odoi against a controversial anti-LGBTQ bill, paving the way for its potential enactment into law. The bill, passed by the country's parliament in February, imposes prison sentences of up to three years for individuals engaging in LGBTQ activities and up to five years for those involved in the promotion, sponsorship, or intentional support of such activities. The legislation has drawn criticism from international human rights groups and the United Nations, while facing potential financial repercussions, with warnings from Ghana's finance ministry of a possible loss of $3.8 billion in World Bank funding if enacted. The bill awaits presidential assent from President Nana Akufo-Addo, who has yet to make a decision as his term ends on January 7. The court's decision was unanimous, with Justice Avril Lovelace-Johnson stating that there is no act for the court to overturn until the president signs the bill into law. Opposition leader John Mahama, who won the recent presidential election, has expressed support for the bill.