President John Dramani Mahama has called on international partners to respect Ghana’s stance on LGBTQ issues, insisting that the country’s policies are deeply rooted in its constitutional framework, cultural identity, and the collective will of its people.
Speaking in the United States during a ceremony where he received the International States-person Award from the World Peace Council of Philadelphia, Prez Mahama stressed that decisions on such sensitive matters are not taken lightly or in isolation. Instead, he explained, they emerge through democratic processes that reflect long-standing societal values.
He pointed out that the controversial LGBTQ-related bill currently before the Parliament of Ghana is a private member’s bill, not one introduced by the government. This distinction, he noted, highlights the independence of Ghana’s legislative system.
Mahama cautioned against premature conclusions about the outcome of the bill, emphasizing that even as President, he cannot predict or influence Parliament’s final decision. According to him, the process remains open, with memoranda being submitted by citizens and stakeholders from across the country.
Civil society groups, he added, continue to actively engage the legislative process, ensuring that a wide range of perspectives is considered. He expressed confidence that whatever decision emerges will ultimately reflect the views and interests of the Ghanaian people.
Beyond the legislative process, Mahama also underscored the strength of Ghana’s democratic institutions, particularly its judiciary. He described the courts as independent and capable of delivering fair judgments on even the most contentious national issues, a factor he believes has contributed to Ghana’s political stability and tolerance.
His remarks come at a time of heightened international attention, following a decision by Lincoln University to withdraw plans to award him an honorary doctorate. The institution cited concerns raised within its community over his perceived stance on LGBTQ issues.
The situation has since sparked broader conversations both in Ghana and abroad, raising questions about how nations balance cultural values, legal systems, and global expectations on human rights.
