Ghana's Supreme Court Dismisses Challenges to Anti-LGBT Bill

The ruling clears the way for President Akufo-Addo to sign one of Africa's most restrictive anti-LGBT laws, though its future remains uncertain.

The Supreme Court of Ghana unanimously dismissed two legal challenges to the controversial anti-LGBT bill, citing the lack of presidential assent as a reason for the ruling.
The bill, known as the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, proposes prison sentences of up to five years for promoting or funding LGBT activities and up to three years for identifying as LGBT.
President Nana Akufo-Addo, whose term ends on January 7, has delayed signing the bill, awaiting the Supreme Court's decision, and has not revealed his next steps.
The bill has sparked widespread public support in Ghana but has faced international criticism, including warnings that it could jeopardize billions in World Bank and IMF funding for the country.
Opposition leader and president-elect John Mahama has expressed support for the bill, but it is unclear whether he will sign it into law if Akufo-Addo does not act before leaving office.