The Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Dr. Abraham Nana Opare Kwakye, has urged President Nana Akufo-Addo to sign the anti-LGBTQ+ bill into law before his government’s term ends.
This call comes after the Supreme Court dismissed a petition challenging the constitutionality of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, also known as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill.
The bill has been a subject of intense debate, seeking to criminalize activities associated with LGBTQI advocacy.
Advocates argue it’s necessary to safeguard Ghanaian cultural and family values, while opponents contend it infringes on basic human rights and equality under the law.
During the launch of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana’s Bicentennial Anniversary in Accra today, Dr. Kwakye reiterated the church’s support for the bill, stating it symbolized their “birthday gift” for the year.
“The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, for us Presbyterians, having given the bill our support at the time when the church was led by my predecessor, we interpreted this as our birthday gift for this year,” Dr. Kwakye said.
Dr. Kwakye urged President Akufo-Addo to cement his legacy by signing the bill into law. “Your Excellency, make our joy complete, we are confident that in these last days, you will make our joy complete by assenting the bill so that it becomes a law in Ghana.”
However, critics, including human rights groups and some international organizations, have expressed concerns about the bill’s potential to violate human rights standards. The bill has been pending assent since its passage in February 2024.
The Finance Ministry has cautioned the President against endorsing the bill, citing potential economic risks. Ghana could forfeit approximately $3.8 billion in World Bank funding within the next five to six years if the bill becomes law.