President John Dramani Mahama has called on international partners to respect Ghana’s position on LGBTQ issues, emphasizing that the country’s public policies are shaped by its Constitution, cultural values and the collective will of its people.
Speaking at an event in the United States, the President stressed that decisions on such sensitive matters are not taken unilaterally but are guided by established legal frameworks and democratic processes. He noted that the ongoing debate reflects Ghana’s commitment to inclusive governance, where diverse views are considered before any final decision is made.
Addressing concerns surrounding the proposed anti-LGBTQ legislation currently before the Parliament of Ghana, Mr. Mahama clarified that the bill is a private member’s initiative and not a government-sponsored policy. He underscored that Parliament remains the ultimate decision-making body and that its outcome cannot be predetermined.
“What the eventual nature of the bill would be, nobody can second-guess Parliament, and I, as President, cannot anticipate Parliament in respect of that bill,” he said. “Civil society organisations and individuals are submitting memoranda, and I believe the representatives of the people will ensure that the final outcome reflects the will of Ghanaians.”
The President reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to due process, highlighting the importance of citizen participation in shaping legislation. He added that the country’s democratic institutions, particularly the judiciary, continue to play a critical role in safeguarding fairness and accountability.
“That level of tolerance in the political atmosphere is what has given Ghana the advantage it has. We have a relatively independent judiciary that we have confidence will adjudicate matters fairly,” he stated.
Ghana has long been regarded as one of Africa’s more stable democracies, consistently ranking high in governance and political stability indicators. According to global democracy assessments, the country has maintained regular peaceful transfers of power since 1992, with strong institutional frameworks supporting rule of law and civil liberties.
The remarks come amid heightened international attention on Ghana’s proposed legislation on LGBTQ issues, which has sparked debate both locally and globally. While some international organisations and foreign governments have raised human rights concerns, supporters of the bill argue it reflects prevailing cultural and societal norms.
Mr. Mahama made the comments when he received the ‘International Statesperson Award’ from the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia, an organisation that recognises global leaders for their contributions to governance and international relations.
His remarks also follow a decision by Lincoln University in the United States to withdraw plans to confer an honorary degree on him, citing concerns raised by sections of its academic community over his stance on LGBTQ-related issues.
Despite the controversy, the President maintained that Ghana will continue to rely on its democratic institutions to address the issue, insisting that the country’s sovereignty and decision-making processes must be respected by the international community.
