*Report by Joycelyn Adoma Arthur – 13/03/2024

John Dramani Mahama, the 2024 Presidential Candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has attributed President Akufo-Addo’s reluctance to approve the anti-LGBTQI+ bill to Ghana’s heavy reliance on foreign aid.

During his “Building Ghana Tour” in Accra, Mahama addressed religious leaders and outlined strategies for achieving economic self-sufficiency in Ghana, with the aim of reducing dependence on foreign donors.

Mahama cited indications that President Akufo-Addo is hesitant to sign the bill due to ongoing legal issues surrounding it, particularly a lawsuit filed with the Supreme Court.

“Indications we are getting is that he says he won’t sign it because somebody has filed a suit with the Supreme Court so he has become entangled with some legal issues.”

He emphasized the importance of self-reliance, stating that when a country is self-reliant, it becomes less susceptible to external influence and dictates.

“This is just the reason for being self-reliant. If you are not self-reliant that is when people can dictate to you. If we were self-reliant nobody would come ask us to do this or do that and so one of the key economic policies we must pursue is self-reliance.”

President Akufo-Addo, in a meeting with members of the diplomatic community, expressed his intention to await the Supreme Court’s decision on the bill before making a final decision.

The Finance Ministry, in its previous advice, cautioned against endorsing the controversial bill, citing potential repercussions on international financial assistance.

The bill, which aims to criminalize LGBTQ+ individuals and their supporters, has generated significant controversy and debate.