The European Parliament has conveyed trust in Ghana’s adherence to its human rights commitments, expressing hope that the controversial Promotion of Human Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly referred to as the Anti-LGBT+ bill, will not be enacted into law.
Commissioner for Environment, Oceans, and Fisheries, Virginijus Sinkevičius, speaking on behalf of High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell, underscored the EU’s position in a speech. He highlighted Ghana’s ongoing dedication to human rights, which has faced scrutiny following the bill’s passage in the Ghanaian Parliament.
“The constitutionality of the Bill has been challenged and it is currently scrutinised by the Supreme Court. It is also to be noted that the Bill also still requires presidential assent to enter into force.
The President has publicly reiterated his commitment to the respect of Human Rights and has expressed his concern about seeing a ‘backsliding‘ on human rights in the event of the adoption of the Bill.
“Senior members of the Ghanaian Government have also highlighted the Bill’s potential financial consequences and losses for the 2024 budget.
“We are, therefore, confident that Ghana will stand firm in the commitments it has made on national and international Human Rights,” he stated.
After enduring years of deliberation in parliament and navigating through various stages, the bill faced persistent opposition and efforts by its opponents to either nullify it entirely or at least amend certain sections. Nevertheless, on February 28, 2024, parliament ultimately passed the bill.
Amid mounting concerns surrounding the legislation, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has opted to await the Supreme Court’s ruling before making a decision regarding the bill’s assent.