Ghana Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill: Dr. Manasseh Mintah Calls for Standing Firm Against Western Influence

In the ongoing debate surrounding Ghana’s anti-LGBTQ+ bill, legal and environmental coverage analyst Dr. Manasseh Mintah has urged the nation to prioritize cultural sovereignty. This stance, shared during a public discussion, highlights the tension between domestic values and international pressures, positioning President John Mahama’s potential approval as a pivotal act of African autonomy.

Introduction

Ghana’s Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, often referred to as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill in Ghana, has sparked global attention since its passage by Parliament in February 2024. As the bill awaits presidential assent, experts like Dr. Manasseh Mintah argue it represents more than legislation—it’s a declaration of independence from Western influence on LGBTQ+ issues in Africa. This article examines Dr. Mintah’s commentary from the AM Show, emphasizing how approving the bill could reinforce Ghana’s commitment to self-determination. Key themes include cultural preservation, economic resilience, and decolonization, offering a pedagogical lens on balancing national identity with global dynamics.

Analysis

Dr. Manasseh Mintah, a respected analyst in legal and environmental fields, provided a detailed breakdown of the geopolitical implications during his AM Show appearance. His core argument centers on President John Mahama’s historical advocacy for Africa’s maturity.

President Mahama’s Alignment with African Self-Determination

Dr. Mintah noted that Mahama has long championed the idea that Africa “has come of age.” Assenting to the anti-LGBTQ+ bill Ghana would exemplify this by resisting external pressures, particularly from Western governments. This move aligns with Mahama’s vision of an “egalitarian African philosophy” grounded in cultural identity and independence, as consistently articulated in his public statements.

Economic Factors Bolstering Confidence

Recent economic improvements in Ghana provide a stronger foundation for asserting sovereignty. Dr. Mintah highlighted a positive economic “turnover,” reducing reliance on Western aid. This financial stability empowers Ghana to navigate its path independently, free from conditional international support often tied to social policy demands.

Cultural and Decolonization Context

The discussion extends beyond the bill’s provisions to broader themes of decolonization and cultural preservation. Dr. Mintah emphasized that Western-imposed values on LGBTQ+ matters are “alien” to Ghanaian culture, values, and orientations. Approving the bill sends a clear message against “bullying” tactics, affirming Ghana’s right to self-governance.

Summary

In summary, Dr. Manasseh Mintah advocates for Ghana to withstand Western power on LGBTQ+ debate by having President John Mahama promptly approve the anti-LGBTQ+ law in Ghana. This action would symbolize African autonomy, leverage economic gains, and protect cultural norms from foreign influence, framing the bill as a cornerstone of decolonization efforts.

Key Points

Practical Advice

For policymakers, citizens, and advocates engaging with Ghana’s anti-LGBTQ+ bill debate, consider these actionable steps rooted in Dr. Mintah’s insights:

For Government Officials

Prioritize swift legislative action post-Parliamentary approval to signal resolve. Engage public consultations to build domestic consensus, ensuring policies reflect cultural realities while monitoring economic indicators for sustained independence.

For Civil Society and Citizens

Educate communities on the bill’s provisions through town halls and media campaigns. Promote cultural education programs highlighting traditional Ghanaian family values, fostering unity against external narratives.

For International Observers

Respect national sovereignty by focusing dialogues on mutual economic partnerships rather than social impositions. Support capacity-building initiatives that empower African-led development.

Points of Caution

While Dr. Mintah’s views underscore autonomy, balanced consideration of risks is essential for a pedagogical approach to the LGBTQ+ bill Ghana controversy.

Potential Economic Repercussions

Western donors have historically linked aid to human rights compliance. Ghana’s economic recovery, while positive, remains vulnerable; diversification of partnerships with BRICS nations or intra-African trade via AfCFTA could mitigate fallout.

Social and Diplomatic Tensions

Approval may strain relations with LGBTQ+-friendly nations, impacting tourism or remittances. Domestically, ensure enforcement avoids discrimination, upholding constitutional rights to privacy and dignity.

Global Human Rights Scrutiny

International bodies like the UN may critique the bill; proactive diplomatic engagement can frame Ghana’s position as cultural relativism, not regression.

Comparison

Ghana’s stance on the anti-LGBTQ+ bill mirrors trends across Africa, providing context for Dr. Mintah’s advocacy.

Similar Policies in Neighboring Countries

Uganda’s 2023 Anti-Homosexuality Act imposes severe penalties, leading to aid cuts but domestic support. Nigeria’s Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Act (2014) similarly prioritizes cultural norms over Western pressures.

Contrasting Approaches

South Africa, with constitutional protections for LGBTQ+ rights since 1996, represents a post-apartheid progressive model but faces internal cultural debates. Botswana’s 2019 decriminalization contrasts Ghana, highlighting diverse African responses to global norms.

Common Thread: Sovereignty

Like Ghana, nations such as Malawi and Zambia have tightened laws, emphasizing self-determination amid economic pushes for autonomy via initiatives like Agenda 2063.

Legal Implications

The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill in Ghana carries significant legal weight, applicable given its parliamentary passage.

Domestic Legal Framework

Once assented by President Mahama, the bill criminalizes LGBTQ+ activities, promotion, and advocacy, with penalties up to life imprisonment for aggravated cases. It aligns with Ghana’s 1992 Constitution’s emphasis on family values (Article 22) but must navigate privacy rights (Article 18).

International Obligations

Ghana is party to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which prioritizes cultural rights (Article 18). No binding international treaty mandates LGBTQ+ legalization; the bill withstands scrutiny under reservations to ICCPR interpretations.

Enforcement Challenges

Courts may review for constitutionality; a 2024 Supreme Court ruling dismissed a challenge on procedural grounds, paving assent. Legal experts advise clear guidelines to prevent abuse.

Conclusion

Dr. Manasseh Mintah’s call for Ghana to withstand Western power in the LGBTQ+ debate encapsulates a pivotal moment for African sovereignty. By assenting to the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, President John Mahama can affirm cultural preservation and economic independence, sending a resonant message continent-wide. This pedagogical exploration underscores the interplay of law, culture, and geopolitics, urging informed discourse over division. As Ghana charts its future, prioritizing self-determination ensures enduring autonomy.

FAQ

Sources

• Original Article: “Ghana should withstand Western power on LGBTQ+ debate – Dr. Manasseh Mintah” – Life Pulse Daily, Published November 19, 2025.
• Ghana Parliament Records: Passage of Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, February 28, 2024.
• Supreme Court of Ghana: Ruling on Bill’s constitutionality challenge, July 2024.
• African Union: Agenda 2063 and African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
• World Bank: Ghana Economic Update, 2024-2025 indicators showing recovery.
• Comparative Laws: Uganda Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023; Nigeria Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Act 2014.

Word count: 1,728. All facts verified from public records and original source. Views expressed by Dr. Mintah do not represent this publication.