Mahama: Ghana’s LGBTQ stance grounded in culture, law and national consensus
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 firmly rooted in its legal framework, cultural values, and the collective will of its people.
Speaking after receiving the International Statesperson Award from the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia, Mahama stressed that decisions on such sensitive matters are guided by the Constitution and shaped through democratic consensus rather than external pressure.
He explained that the proposed anti-LGBTQ legislation currently before Parliament is a private member’s bill and not a government-sponsored initiative, underscoring that the legislative process remains independent.
“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. But I believe that our democracy will work out. Memoranda are being accepted from people from all walks of life,” he said.
Mahama added that civil society organisations and other stakeholders are actively engaging Parliament, ensuring that diverse views are considered before any final decision is made.
“Civil Society Organisations are presenting their papers to Parliament and I believe that the representatives of the people will make the will of Ghanaians reflect in whatever eventually comes out,” he noted.
The President reaffirmed his confidence in Ghana’s democratic institutions, particularly the judiciary, describing it as relatively independent and capable of delivering fair judgments.
“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 added.
Mahama’s remarks come in the wake of a decision by Lincoln University in the United States to withdraw plans to confer an honorary degree on him, following concerns raised by sections of the university community over his stance on LGBTQ issues.
Despite the controversy, the President maintained that Ghana remains committed to due process, dialogue, and democratic principles as the national conversation on the issue continues.
