President John Dramani Mahama has urged international partners to respect Ghana’s stance on LGBTQ issues, stressing that the country’s public policies are shaped by its legal framework, cultural values, and national consensus.
He noted that decisions on such matters are not taken in isolation but are guided by the Constitution and the collective will of Ghanaians.
Addressing concerns over the proposed legislation, President Mahama clarified that the bill currently before Parliament of Ghana is a private member’s bill and not a government-sponsored initiative. He emphasised that the country’s democratic processes are actively at work to ensure that any outcome reflects the views of the people.
“What the eventual nature of the bill would be, nobody can second-guess Parliament, and I, as President, cannot anticipate Parliament in respect of that bill. But I believe that our democracy will work out. Memoranda are being accepted from people from all walks of life.
“Civil Society Organisations are presenting their papers to Parliament and I believe that the representatives of the people will make the will of Ghanaians reflect in whatever eventually comes out,” he said.
The President reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to due process as the issue continues to be debated.
Touching on the strength of the country’s democratic institutions, he highlighted the role of the judiciary, expressing confidence in its independence and fairness.
“That level of tolerance in the political atmosphere is what has given Ghana the advantage it has. We have a relatively independent judiciary that we have confidence will adjudicate matters fairly,” he added.
President Mahama made these remarks when he received the ‘International Statesperson Award’ from the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia.
His remarks follow a decision by Lincoln University in the United States to withdraw plans to confer an honorary degree on Ghana’s leader, citing concerns raised by a section of the university community over his stance on LGBTQ issues.
