During a recent address at the European Parliament on April 24, 2024, Virginijus Sinkevičius, representing High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell as the European Union Commissioner for Environment, Oceans, and Fisheries, discussed Ghana's Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Act, popularly known as the anti-LGBTIQ Bill.

Acknowledging Ghana's status as a robust democracy and a stabilizing influence in the region, Mr. Sinkevičius praised the country's strides in human rights protection, such as recent efforts to abolish the death penalty.

Nonetheless, he highlighted persistent challenges, particularly in safeguarding the rights of sexual minorities.

The passage of the anti-LGBTIQ Bill in Ghana's Parliament has sparked concerns both domestically and internationally. Currently, the Bill awaits scrutiny by the Supreme Court regarding its constitutionality and presidential assent to become law.

Mr. Sinkevičius assured that the European Union and its Member States have closely monitored developments surrounding the Bill since its introduction in 2021.

Despite its passage in Parliament, he expressed confidence in Ghana's dedication to human rights, citing public statements from the President and senior government officials expressing concerns about potential setbacks in human rights and financial implications.

The speech underscored Ghana's crucial role in maintaining regional stability and its growing partnership with the EU.

Mr Sinkevičius emphasised the EU's appreciation of Ghana's commitment to shared interests, including support for a rules-based multilateral order and the abolition of the death penalty.

In conclusion, the speech reaffirmed the EU's partnership with Ghana, emphasising mutual respect for human rights and a shared commitment to following Ghana's promising trajectory in upholding universal values.