EU confident Ghana will not assent anti-LGBTQI Bill

In a recent speech delivered at the European Parliament on April 24, 2024, Virginijus Sinkevičius, the European Union Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, representing High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell, addressed the concerns surrounding Ghana’s Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Act, commonly known as the anti-LGBTIQ Bill.

Sinkevičius expressed confidence in Ghana’s commitment to human rights, citing public statements from the President and senior government officials highlighting concerns about potential setbacks in human rights and financial implications.

The speech concluded with a reaffirmation of the EU’s partnership with Ghana, highlighting mutual respect for human rights and a commitment to follow Ghana’s promising path in upholding universal values.

The recent passing in Parliament of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Act, more commonly referred to as the anti-LGBTIQ Bill, is an issue of concern in Ghana as it is the case in any other country on the continent and in the world

In its current form, the Bill requires close review in light of Ghana’s international and constitutional human rights commitments

Ghana has shown strong commitment to shared interests in a rules-based multilateral order, notably in the context of the Russian aggression in Ukraine, and on values dear to the European Union, such as the abolition of the death penalty, an important milestone in Ghana’s support for Human Rights

Therefore, we cannot but partner in Ghana’s commitment and regional leadership and in his respect of Human Rights and continue to follow the country in this promising path