The group Journalists Against LGBTQ+ – Ghana has called on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to promptly sign the Anti-LGBTQ+ Act into law following the Supreme Court’s dismissal of a legal challenge against the bill.
In a statement issued by the group and signed by its convenor, Isaac Boamah Darko, the journalists commended the Supreme Court for unanimously rejecting a petition filed by lawyer and journalist Richard Dela Sky, which sought to challenge the constitutionality of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill.
The ruling, they noted, has cleared the way for the president to fulfil his previous commitment to sign the bill if a majority of Ghanaians supported it.
The group emphasised that the Anti-LGBTQ+ Act is essential for preserving Ghanaian cultural values and moral standards.
“The Anti-LGBTQ+ Act aims to promote proper human sexual rights and Ghanaian family values, a crucial step towards upholding the moral fabric of our society,” the statement said.
They commended the Supreme Court for what they described as a wise decision and urged President Akufo-Addo to demonstrate his dedication to protecting the rights and dignity of all Ghanaians by assenting to the bill without delay.
The group argued that signing the bill would protect families, particularly children, from what they perceive as harmful influences. They also highlighted the importance of the move in maintaining the country’s moral standards.
“Mr. President, now that the Supreme Court has ruled, the ball is in your court. We urge you not to fail Ghanaians. Assent to this Act and redeem your image after the recent election,” the statement concluded.
The call adds to growing pressure on the president to take a decisive stance on the legislation, which has generated significant public debate in Ghana and beyond.