President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has reassured the international community that Ghana remains committed to its admirable and long-standing record of upholding human rights and the rule of law. I assure you that no such backsliding will be contemplated or occasioned. I think it will serve little purpose to go, at this stage, into the details of the origin of this proposed law, which is yet to reach my desk," he added.
The President made this statement in response to the bipartisan passage of the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill by Parliament on a Private Member's motion last week. He assured that "the operation of the institutions of the Ghanaian state would determine the future trajectory of the rule of law and human rights compliance in our country. Speaking at the New Year Greetings Diplomatic Reception at the Peduase Presidential Retreat in the Eastern Region, attended by high commissioners, ambassadors, and heads of international organizations, President Akufo-Addo acknowledged concerns from some quarters of the diplomatic community and friends of Ghana regarding the Bill's potential impact on the country's human rights record and commitment to the rule of law.
He mentioned that a concerned citizen had mounted a challenge at the Supreme Court to the constitutionality of the proposed legislation, urging everyone to await the court's decision before taking any action. President Akufo-Addo emphasized that the future course of the rule of law and human rights compliance in Ghana would be determined by the operation of the country's institutions. After the Bill's passage, some Ghanaians urged President Akufo-Addo to promptly assent. In contrast, others expressed concerns about its potential effects on human rights, freedom of speech, and liberties.
Notably, Prof. Audrey Gadzekpo, a university don and a board member of CDD-Ghana, expressed the organization's intention to challenge the Bill at the Supreme Court. The US State Department and its ambassador in Ghana also voiced concerns, and the Ministry of Finance issued a statement urging the President to wait to sign the Bill until the court case is resolved to prevent potential financial consequences for the country. President Akufo-Addo, looking ahead to the 2024 elections, reiterated his government's commitment to ensuring peaceful, transparent, and law-abiding elections. He expressed confidence in the security agencies' ability to uphold their responsibilities and emphasized Ghanaians' dedication to being a beacon of democracy in Africa.
In conclusion, the President expressed pride in his achievements over the past seven years, highlighting successes in various sectors, including the economy, education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, security, and the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. He thanked the international community for their support and expressed gratitude for their contributions to Ghana's progress.
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