The Board Chair of the Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), Audrey Gadzekpo, has asserted that the passage of the Anti-LGBTQ+ was primarily driven by political motives rather than national interests.

She expresses concern that prioritising political considerations over societal well-being could have detrimental effects and urges the President not to assent to the bill.

Speaking on behalf of the Civil Society Group on JoyNews’ The Pulse, Professor Audrey Gadzekpo questions the true intentions of the bill's proponents.

“I am telling you that they have passed it not for any reason but for political reasons. Mr Sam George, the Chief proponent of the bill in 2015 when his candidate John Mahama was being accused of having a friend who was a homosexual sponsoring him etc. Sam George is on record saying that the constitution protects those rights.

“So I have to wonder why he changed his mind…What has changed? 10 years ago did he have a different morality from today, from 2021 when he proposed the bill.”

On Wednesday, February 28, after nearly three years of deliberation, Parliament finally passed the highly controversial Anti-LGBTQ+ bill.

Introduced in the House as a private members' bill, the legislation received unanimous approval following the completion of the third reading.

Under the provisions of the bill, individuals involved in prohibited activities may face imprisonment ranging from six months to three years, while sponsors and promoters could be sentenced to three to five years' imprisonment.