The court in Accra, the capital of Ghana, has rejected an attempt to compel the president to approve a stringent anti-LGBT legislation that was approved by parliament in February.
“The legislation mandates a prison sentence of a maximum of three years for individuals who self-identify as LGBT and will enhance restrictions on the rights of this group.” President Nana Akufo-Addo’s office announced last month that he would not enact the bill as law until the Supreme Court decides on its constitutionality, leading to a political dispute in the West African nation.
The finance ministry cautioned that should the controversial bill pass into law, the country risks losing a minimum of $3.8 billion in funding from the World Bank. “However, numerous lawmakers and members of the public are urging President Akufo-Addo to endorse it.”
Justice Ellen Lordina Serwaa Mireku supported the presidency’s stance on Monday in the High Court, stating that it would not be suitable to compel Mr. Akufo-Addo to approve the bill.
According to Reuters news agency, there are two pending Supreme Court challenges for the proposed law. Two Ghanaians, activist Amanda Odoi and lawyer Richard Dela Sky, each filed their own challenges.
They are trying to prevent the bill from being passed as a law. MP Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor filed a motion to force Mr Akufo-Addo to sign the contentious bill. Local media reported that his attorney stated he would challenge the decision in court.
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