The Founder and President of IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe, has condemned the proposal to incarcerate individuals based on their sexual orientation as proposed in the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill.

He criticised the notion of imprisoning individuals solely on suspicion of being gay, emphasising the lack of rationality behind such a punitive measure.

According to Mr. Cudjoe, the bill reflects a lack of thoughtful analysis and consideration, particularly regarding the imprisonment of homosexuals.

He urged for a more thoughtful approach and thorough deliberation before President Akufo-Addo considers assenting to the bill in its current form.

“I don’t think it is sensible to imprison anyone who you believe is gay, unless of course, that person must have raped, you think must have unduly influenced other people, especially minors and you found them.

“But how are you going to police people who are doing their acts in the bedroom…? I think the law was limited in terms of sensible thinking and analysis in that regard,” he insisted.

On February 28, 2024, Parliament endorsed a bill criminalising LGBTQ activities and prohibiting their promotion, advocacy, and financial support.

According to the legislation, individuals found guilty of engaging in such acts could be imprisoned for between six months and three years, while those involved in promoting or financing such activities could face imprisonment ranging from three to five years.

The approval of the bill has triggered a backlash from numerous stakeholders, including Virginia Evelyn Palmer, the Ambassador of the United States to Ghana.