According to information obtained by The Herald from the Jubilee House, President Nana Akufo-Addo has directed that nobody from his office should receive the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Values Bill, also known as the anti-LGBTQI+ bill, which was passed by Parliament on February 27, 2024.

Despite three attempts by Parliament to submit the Bill for the President's assent, officials from the legislative arm were turned away each time.

Interestingly, the President had previously accepted bills such as the Witchcraft Accusations Bill and legislation against the death penalty, which were also passed by Parliament through private member's sponsorship. However, these bills had not received presidential assent due to concerns about their financial implications.

The anti-LGBTQI+ bill imposes a prison sentence of up to three years for anyone convicted of identifying as LGBTQI+ and a maximum five-year jail term for forming or funding LGBTQ+ groups.

Sources indicate that Cyril Kwabena Oteng Nsiah, the Clerk of Parliament, has attempted to deliver the bill to the President for his signature, but no one has been available at the Presidency to receive it.

The Herald’s checks showed that the last attempt made by the Clerk of Parliament was March 11, 2024, but was told that the President through the Secretary to the President, Nana Asante Bediatuo, has directed that, nobody from his office, should receive the bill prohibiting LGBTQ+ activities.

The bill also proposes a jail term of up to 10 years for anyone involved in LGBTQ+ advocacy campaigns aimed at children.

It also encourages the public to report members of the LGBTQ+ community to authorities for “necessary action”.

Interestingly, Amnesty International (AI) and its partner, Civil Society Organisations (CSO’s) Centre, led by its country director, Genevieve Partington, have paid a courtesy call on the office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General to discuss some human rights issues in Ghana.

On the Witchcraft Accusations Bill, she expressed concern with the continued prevalence of witchcraft accusations in Ghana, saying “such accusations often lead to violence, discrimination and human rights abuses against innocent individuals, particularly elderly women.”

She called on President Akufo-Addo, to protect people from being physically and mentally abused because of witchcraft accusations.

She urged the government to take decisive action to address this issue, “including implementing comprehensive awareness campaigns, providing support services for victims, and enforcing laws to hold perpetrators accountable.”

Francis Nyantakyi, the board chair of AI Ghana, has expressed concern over President Akufo-Addo's refusal to sign the Armed Forces Bill Amendment, which seeks to abolish the death penalty.

He emphasized that the death penalty violates fundamental human rights and the President's stance could undermine Ghana's progress in upholding human rights standards.

Nyantakyi also inquired about the process for reintroducing the bill to parliament and how Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) could support its final abolishment. He suggested commuting the sentences of those on death row to life imprisonment and sought guidance on the steps and support from civil society organizations (CSOs).

During the discussion, other human rights issues, such as prison conditions and overcrowding, were highlighted by partner CSOs. They sought updates on the progress of the Community Sentencing Bill, aimed at reducing prison overcrowding and improving offender rehabilitation methods.

Madam Partington emphasized the importance of addressing these human rights concerns promptly, stating that upholding human rights is not just a legal obligation but also a moral imperative for justice and equality. She expressed AI's willingness to collaborate with the government and other stakeholders to advance human rights in Ghana and ensure dignity and respect for all individuals.