President John Dramani Mahama has called on international partners to respect Ghana’s position on LGBTQ issues, stressing that the country’s public policy is shaped by its legal framework, cultural values, and the collective will of its people.
The President made the remarks in the United States while responding to a question during a ceremony at which he was honoured with an international award, at a time when Ghana’s stance on LGBTQ+ rights continues to attract global attention.
President Mahama noted that the debate on LGBTQ rights remains unsettled across the world, pointing out that even in advanced democracies such as the United States, there are still varying legal interpretations and restrictions.
“The issue of LGBTQ rights is not completely settled in terms of its nuances and arguments, not only in Ghana but globally,” he said, adding that ongoing discussions in other jurisdictions highlight the complexity of the matter.
He clarified that the anti-LGBTQ bill currently before Parliament is not a government-sponsored initiative but a private members’ bill, and therefore falls within the полном authority of the legislature.
According to him, Ghana’s democratic institutions are actively engaged in reviewing the proposed law, with memoranda being received from a wide range of stakeholders, including civil society groups. He expressed confidence that Parliament’s eventual decision would reflect the views of the Ghanaian people.
President Mahama further explained that, in line with his constitutional mandate, any bill passed by Parliament would be subjected to due process, including the option to refer it back to the House or seek guidance from the Council of State Ghana if necessary.
“I swore an oath to uphold the Constitution, and the representatives of the people will deliberate on the bill. The outcome will ultimately reflect the will of Ghanaians,” he stated.
He emphasised that Ghana’s approach to such sensitive issues must be understood within its specific national context, insisting that policymaking cannot be divorced from the country’s cultural and social realities.
“I believe that our international partners should understand that public policy is grounded in our legal traditions, our cultural context, and our social consensus,” he added.
His remarks come in the wake of reports that Lincoln University withdrew plans to confer an honorary doctorate on him over concerns about his perceived stance on LGBTQ+ rights.
The President’s comments underscore a firm defence of Ghana’s sovereignty in policymaking, while reaffirming the role of democratic institutions in addressing complex national issues.
