National Chief Imam Urges President Mahama to Sign Anti-LGBT+ Bill Before His Death
National Chief Imam Urges President Mahama to Sign Anti-LGBT+ Bill Before His Death
The National Chief Imam of Ghana, through his spokesperson Sheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu, has expressed his wish for the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill—commonly known as the anti-LGBT+ bill—to be passed and assented to before the Imam’s death. The spokesperson emphasized that the Chief Imam considers the legislation an important reflection of Ghanaian cultural and moral values.
The comments come as President John Dramani Mahama indicated that while he supports the principle of the bill, it is not currently the most urgent priority, citing national issues like jobs, infrastructure, and basic services as more pressing.
The bill, previously passed by Parliament but never signed into law, has been reintroduced for debate, sparking a national conversation. Supporters, including religious leaders, argue it protects Ghanaian family values, while critics warn it could discriminate against LGBTQ+ people and violate human rights.
The Chief Imam’s office calls on the government to make the bill a priority, though legal procedures require careful consultation before it can become law.
