Navigating the Controversy: Ghana's President Faces Dilemma on Anti-LGBT Law

Sam George, the main advocate for Ghana’s strict anti-LGBTQ laws, presents himself as a protector of gay Ghanaians.

In an interview with CNN from Accra, he stated, “I have introduced laws to prevent gay individuals from facing verbal and physical abuse.”

The bill signed by Ghana's parliament last month imposes harsh penalties for identifying as LGBTQ, including fines or up to three years in prison. Those found guilty of "promoting" gay rights could face up to five years in jail.

George, in response to concerns about the bill, emphasized the importance of a fair trial in a competent court. He stated that he does not have the authority to imprison anyone, as that decision lies with the judge.

In a short period of time, the opposition member of parliament from the greater Accra region, who is also the main sponsor of the bill, has quickly gained popularity in Ghana. He is now a familiar face on television.

Family Watch International founder Sharon Slater (in purple) is pictured with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni (wearing a facemask) outside Uganda’s State House in April during a conference on so-called ‘family values’ SOURCE: Facebook/National Resistance Movement

Family Watch International founder Sharon Slater, wearing purple, is seen in a photo with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, who is wearing a facemask. The photo was taken outside Uganda's State House in April during a conference focused on what are known as family values. The source of this information is from a post on Facebook by the National Resistance Movement.

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The passing of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values act without opposition in parliament in late February is a big win for George and a group of religious and secular conservatives in Ghana. This is also part of a concerning pattern of homophobic laws spreading across the continent.

Some progressive organizations think that US conservative groups have influenced the passing of this legislation, a claim that was recently looked into by CNN.

By his admission, George has traveled to the United States to meet with like-minded conservatives pushing “family values.” He says he covers his own expenses.

Making inequality legal

The passage of the bill is bad news for LGBTQ Ghanaians, regardless of where it came from.

Alex Kofi Donkor, founder of LGBT+ Rights in Ghana, expressed sadness over the bill's passage. He believes it will only make the inequality faced by the community in Ghana more legitimate.

If the bill becomes law, it would have a negative effect on the availability of legal and medical services in Ghana. When it was first introduced in 2021, CNN reported a troubling rise in violence, evictions, and discrimination against LGBTQ individuals in Ghana.

Now, it is up to President Nana Akufo-Addo: to sign or not to sign.

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In the context of local politics, Akufo-Addo faces difficult choices and competing pressure points. The question is, what will he do? After all, it’s an election year in Ghana, with polls set for early December.

Politicians like George and a largely conservative citizenry are urging the president to take action publicly. On the other hand, the international community is ready to impose sanctions on Ghana if Akufo-Addo signs.

Ghana cannot afford to face punitive measures. Once a favorite of multilateral lenders, Ghana's economy has been severely impacted by high inflation and a massive debt burden in recent years, although there are some signs of progress.

The government wasted no time in addressing the financial impact of the bill.

Shortly after the bill was passed, the Ministry of Finance in Ghana released an internal memo revealing that the country could potentially lose US$3.8 billion in World Bank Financing within the next five to six years due to the bill.

George disagrees with the numbers provided by the ministry. He highlights the fact that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) continues to offer a line of credit to Uganda, despite the country recently passing a homophobic law.

On the other hand, the World Bank decided to suspend future financing in Uganda. Additionally, the US State Department imposed sanctions on Ugandans who were found to be "undermining democracy and suppressing marginalized groups."

George pointed out that the issue in Ghana lies not in loans from multilateral institutions but in the widespread corruption and excessive government spending.

CNN was unable to reach Ghana's government spokesman for a comment.

A way out

While the Ministry of Finance appears to be offering the president an elegant way out, it’s the courts that could save him from making a choice.

Akuffo-Ado recently spoke to diplomats in Ghana, mentioning that a decision on the bill will not be made until a challenge by a Ghanaian lawyer is heard at the Supreme Court. He also assured that Ghana will uphold its strong record on human rights and commitment to the rule of law.

“I want to assure you that no such back-sliding will be contemplated or occasioned,” he said, in audio obtained by CNN.

Hiding in a safe house in Accra, Ghana, Joe, a homophobic attack victim describes to CNN how a group of men kidnapped him and physically and mentally abused him for being gay.

Hiding in a safe house in Accra, Ghana, Joe, a homophobic attack victim describes to CNN how a group of men kidnapped him and physically and mentally abused him for being gay.

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Mollifying foreign diplomats in Western capitals is one thing, but showing support for LGBTQ rights in Ghana is a different challenge. In Ghana, politicians and religious leaders have been promoting homophobic sentiments.

Supporters of the bill are not only claiming ties to US groups, but they are also presenting it as a matter of sovereignty - a strong political argument in Ghana.

George clarified that Ghana is not considered as the 51st State of the United States or any other Western state. He emphasized that in the Ghanaian context, societal norms should dictate what is deemed as acceptable in terms of sexual preferences.

The president of Ghana faces a challenging and difficult task in navigating the complex political landscape of the country.

Editor's P/S:

The article highlights the complexities surrounding Ghana's anti-LGBTQ laws, with Sam George, the bill's main advocate, presenting himself as a protector of