Ghana Roundup: Anti-LGBTQ Bill, anti-corruption, academics, first female vice president
Anti-LGBTQ Bill
Ghana’s Supreme Court has dismissed two legal challenges to a stringent anti-LGBT bill, allowing it to progress towards presidential approval. The bill, unanimously passed by parliament in February, further restricts the rights of LGBT individuals and imposes harsher penalties, including up to five years in prison for promoting LGBT activities. CNN reports that President Nana Akufo-Addo has postponed signing the bill due to these challenges. Advocates for LGBT rights express concerns that the law will endanger the lives and health of the community, despite warnings that it could jeopardise significant international financial aid. The court ruled that the challenges were premature, stating no act exists until presidential assent is granted.
Energy-efficient appliances
The AGORA project, launched by the UNDP and UNEP’s United for Efficiency in partnership with Ghana and Nigeria, aims to transform the refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) market in both countries. With €2.4 million funding from the French Facility for Global Environment, the project will run from 2024 to 2027, promoting energy-efficient appliances that use low global warming potential refrigerants, such as R290. The project supports national cooling action plans and aligns with the Kigali Amendment of the Montreal Protocol. It encourages collaboration among industry, government, and civil society to ensure sustainability and ownership.
Anti-corruption
Ghana's President-elect John Dramani Mahama has formed an anti-corruption team to investigate graft and recover lost assets after winning the presidential election with about 56% of the vote. Dunyanews reports that the team will be chaired by MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwah and includes a former auditor-general, a legal practitioner, an investigative journalist, and an ex-police officer. Mahama, who returns to power after losing it eight years ago, has committed to addressing corruption, despite facing allegations during his previous term that did not directly implicate him.
First female vice president
Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has been elected as Ghana's first female vice president, representing a significant milestone for gender inclusivity in politics, Africa.com reports. A former education minister, Opoku-Agyemang emphasised the importance of this victory for women and youth in her acceptance speech, highlighting the ongoing work ahead.
Academics
District 418-Ghana of Lions International has donated boxes of books to ten basic schools across four regions to promote reading and enhance academic performance. According to Ghanaweb, the initiative took place on December 16, 2024, with schools selected based on their lack of access to public libraries. District Governor Dr Helena Asamoah-Hassan emphasised that the project aims to support children's education and personal development, aligning with Lions International's global youth development causes. The schools have pledged to take care of the books and acknowledged their importance in improving learning experiences. This initiative reflects Lions International's commitment to youth development and literacy in underserved communities.
