We will sue if Akufo-Addo assents anti-LGBT+ Bill into law – Prof Manuh

In a bold and defiant stance against the pending anti-LGBT+ Bill in Ghana, renowned human rights activist and academic, Emerita Professor Takyiwaa Manuh, has vocally expressed her intention to challenge the government legally should President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo grant his assent to the controversial Promotion of Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill. This bill, which has recently passed through the Ghanaian Parliament, is at the threshold of becoming law, pending the President’s approval. It specifically targets the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community by criminalizing their activities, advocacy, and funding, with proposed penalties ranging from six months to five years in prison depending on the nature of the offense.

Professor Manuh, a respected figure affiliated with the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), articulated her concerns in an interview with GhanaWeb, highlighting the broader implications of such legislation.

She contends that the bill, far from safeguarding societal morals or family values as proponents argue, would instead infringe upon fundamental human rights and tarnish Ghana’s international standing as a beacon of democracy and legal adherence.

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The academic’s criticism underscores a growing debate within Ghana and among the international community regarding the balance between cultural sovereignty and global human rights standards.

The potential legal battle hinted at by Professor Manuh sheds light on the constitutional considerations at play. Ghana’s constitution, revered for its commitment to individual freedoms and rights, may indeed be at odds with a law that categorically denies a segment of the population their rights to expression, association, and, by extension, their dignity.

This looming legal challenge raises critical questions about the role of the judiciary in safeguarding constitutional guarantees against legislative and executive actions perceived as oppressive.

The international reaction to the passage of this bill has been notably critical, with many viewing it as a regression in the fight for equal rights for all persons, irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

This global outcry, coupled with the internal dissent voiced by Professor Manuh and like-minded advocates, suggests that the enactment of this bill into law could isolate Ghana on the international stage, potentially affecting foreign relations and international aid.

Moreover, Professor Manuh’s remarks bring to the fore the palpable fear and uncertainty within the LGBT community in Ghana. The threat of criminalization not only jeopardizes their safety and freedom but also poses significant public health risks, as it could drive the community underground, away from essential health services and support networks.

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As Ghana stands at this crossroads, the actions of President Akufo-Addo in the coming days will be pivotal. A presidential assent would not only solidify the bill’s place in law but also set the stage for a significant constitutional showdown. On the other hand, a refusal to assent could reaffirm Ghana’s commitment to human rights, albeit setting the President against a Parliament that has overwhelmingly supported the bill. Regardless of the outcome, the controversy surrounding the Promotion of Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill highlights the ongoing struggle for LGBT rights in Africa and the complexities of reconciling traditional values with universal human rights principles.

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