Ghana: Supreme Court Dismisses Challenges to Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill

Summary:

• Ghana’s Supreme Court has dismissed two legal challenges against a controversial anti-LGBT law, allowing President Nana Akufo-Addo to sign it into law. The bill, which increases penalties for same-sex activity and restricts LGBT rights, has sparked concerns over its potential economic impact and human rights implications. The law now awaits presidential assent.

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Ghana’s Supreme Court on Wednesday dismissed two legal challenges against the country’s controversial anti-LGBT law, clearing the way for President Nana Akufo-Addo to sign the bill into law. The legislation, passed unanimously by Parliament in February, intensifies penalties for same-sex activity and promotes further restrictions on LGBT rights.

The challenges were filed by lawyers Amanda Odoi and Richard Sky, who argued that the bill was unconstitutional and sought to prevent its enactment. However, Justice Avril Lovelace-Johnson, delivering the ruling on behalf of a seven-judge panel, stated that the challenges were “premature” as the bill had not yet been signed by the president. Both cases were dismissed unanimously.

The bill, sponsored by a coalition of religious and traditional leaders, seeks to increase penalties for gay sex, already punishable by up to three years in prison, and introduces prison terms of up to five years for anyone found to be promoting or supporting LGBT activities.

Despite concerns from Ghana’s finance ministry about the potential economic impact, including jeopardizing billions in international aid and loans, supporters of the bill remain resolute in their push for its passage.

Human rights advocates, including Abena Takyiwaa Manuh from the Centre for Democratic Governance, have expressed alarm at the ruling, warning that the law could endanger the lives and health of LGBT individuals and human rights defenders in the country. The bill now awaits President Akufo-Addo’s signature, marking a pivotal moment in Ghana’s debate over LGBT rights.