{"id":153105,"date":"2026-03-31T08:49:17","date_gmt":"2026-03-31T08:49:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/153105\/"},"modified":"2026-03-31T08:49:17","modified_gmt":"2026-03-31T08:49:17","slug":"ghanaian-president-welcomed-to-philadelphia-amid-backlash-over-anti-lgbtq-bill","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/153105\/","title":{"rendered":"Ghanaian president welcomed to Philadelphia amid backlash over anti-LGBTQ bill"},"content":{"rendered":"

Philadelphia Gay News published this article on March 25. The Washington Blade republished it with permission.<\/a><\/p>\n

Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, known for making anti-LGBTQ legislative promises, was scheduled to appear at two local colleges this week \u2014 but plans have changed. Although Mahama will still attend a community dialogue at Temple University, he will no longer be honored at Lincoln University \u2014 a Chester County HBCU. He will, however, be presented with an award by the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia. The cancellation of the Lincoln event came shortly after LGBTQ activists spoke out about his appearances.<\/p>\n

\u201cDue to unforeseen circumstances, the university is cancelling the visit from President John Dramani Mahama,\u201d Athena Griffith-Howard, associate vice president of marketing and communications at Lincoln University, told PGN.<\/p>\n

According to a\u00a0press release<\/a>\u00a0about the scheduled event, Mahama was set to receive an honorary doctorate from Lincoln University on Thursday, March 26, \u201cin recognition of his outstanding contributions to public service, democratic governance, peaceful international and inter-African relationships, and global advocacy for justice, equality, and education.\u201d<\/p>\n

Although Griffith-Howard did not respond to additional questions about the matter,\u00a0Joy News<\/a>\u00a0\u2014 an independent news organization that markets itself as the \u201cmost credible\u201d journalism in Ghana \u2014 reports that the university has rescinded his honorary degree and cancelled the visit due to Mahama\u2019s anti-LGBTQ stance.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is both surprising and regrettable that, just hours ago, the Embassy received a communication from the university indicating that concerns had been raised by a group regarding President Mahama\u2019s perceived position on Ghana\u2019s Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill,\u201d a statement released by the Ghana Embassy on March 24 reads.<\/p>\n

Mahama has repeatedly vowed to sign the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill into law if it passes out of parliament. He has also made statements against queer and transgender people.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe position of my government [is that] marriage is between a man and a woman. A person\u2019s gender is determined at birth. And then also, that the family is the foundation of our nation. That is our position,\u201d\u00a0Mahama said in a speech on Nov. 18, 2025<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Intimacy laws \u2014 which criminalize LGBTQ sex and the use of sex toys \u2014 already hold a three-year prison sentence under Ghana law, stemming from legal frameworks that previously governed the country when it was controlled by the British government. Ghana became the first African country to gain independence from European colonization in 1957 \u2014 but rather than repeal the antiquated law, leaders chose to incorporate it into their own penal code in 1960. The country\u2019s supreme court\u00a0upheld the law<\/a>\u00a0in 2024.<\/p>\n

The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill \u2014 often simply referred to as \u201cthe anti-LGBTQ+ bill\u201d \u2014 would further criminalize LGBTQ people and expression and add new risks for allyship. If passed, the punishment for intimacy violations would increase to a possible five-year prison sentence. LGBTQ people could also be punished for simply identifying as LGBTQ with a new three-year prison sentence.<\/p>\n

The proposal would also ban LGBTQ serving organizations, even those that only partly serve LGBTQ people. Violations would include up to five years in prison. Allies could face 10 years in prison for supporting LGBTQ people or promoting LGBTQ rights online, in newspapers, or through other verbal or written communications. Journalists who report on LGBTQ topics are also at risk.<\/p>\n

The bill would force families and community members to report those found in violation of the statute to local law enforcement.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf the parliament of the people of Ghana endorse the bill and vote on it and pass it and it comes to me as president, I will sign it,\u201d\u00a0Mahama said during his November speech<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Since the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill was introduced in 2021, LGBTQ Ghanaians and allies have experienced\u00a0widespread discrimination and physical violence<\/a>\u00a0\u2014 including harassment and arrests, raids on LGBTQ centers (which have led to at least one closure), as well as a\u00a0hostile media landscape<\/a>. When the bill was first passed by parliament in 2024,\u00a0anti-LGBTQ incidents more than doubled<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The proposal was not signed into law by the former President Nana Akufo-Addo, who\u00a0characterized the proposal as a backsliding of human rights<\/a>. At the time, Ghana\u2019s finance ministry also\u00a0warned that signing the bill would place several billions of dollars in funding in jeopardy<\/a>\u00a0as a similar anti-LGBTQ bill in Uganda led the World Bank to suspend new funding to that country.<\/p>\n

This threat would be especially difficult for Ghana to bear given recent funding cuts made by the Trump administration, which have been especially problematic for some African countries.<\/p>\n

Ghana previously relied on USAID funding for social programs and health services, but\u00a0Trump\u2019s funding cuts led to a $156 million loss<\/a>\u00a0\u2014 including approximately $78 million that previously funded malaria prevention, maternal and child health, family planning, reproductive health, nutrition, and the fight against HIV\/AIDS.<\/p>\n

Despite the funding cuts, anti-LGBTQ leaders \u2014\u00a0including those in Ghana<\/a>\u00a0\u2014 have been emboldened and empowered by the Trump administration\u2019s own anti-LGBTQ efforts, citing that they no longer fear economic sanctions if their own anti-LGBTQ bill passes.<\/p>\n

According to activists, Mahama urged parliament to reintroduce the bill after he took office in January 2025 \u2014 around the same time Trump began issuing executive orders, which have negatively impacted LGBTQ Americans.<\/p>\n

Mahama is currently in the U.S. to lead a delegation at the United Nations to advocate for reparatory justice for the Transatlantic Slave Trade. He will present a landmark resolution to the United Nations General Assembly in New York City on March 25 \u2014 seeking a formal declaration of the Transatlantic Slave Trade as a crime against humanity. The visit also includes a wreath-laying ceremony to honor the lives of enslaved Africans who perished in the U.S.<\/p>\n

LGBTQ rights advocates keenly understand the importance of holding the U.S. accountable as direct drivers of the Transatlantic Slave Trade and for the atrocities that occurred to African people on American soil as the country built its economic and social power off of their oppression.<\/p>\n

In a press release about Mahama\u2019s visit to Philadelphia, a growing coalition of Philadelphia\u2019s LGBTQ and allied leaders \u2014 including Philly Pride 365, GALAEI and ACT UP Philadelphia \u2014 called the invitation to speak at Temple University \u201ceven more concerning\u201d given the human rights focus of the delegation.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou cannot come to a global stage calling for justice, repair and recognition of historical harm while simultaneously supporting or advancing policies that criminalize and endanger another marginalized group,\u201d said Tyrell Brown of Philly Pride 365 in the joint statement. \u201cThat contradiction is not just political. It reflects a fundamental failure to understand intersectionality and the interconnected nature of oppression.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJustice is not selective. Human rights are not conditional,\u201d Brown continued. \u201cIf we are serious about repair, it must extend to all people \u2014 especially those currently being targeted by state-sanctioned harm.\u201d<\/p>\n

There is a colonialist link between the continued oppression of LGBTQ Africans with harmful rhetoric and money coming from the U.S.\u00a0At least 20 US-based conservative Christian groups<\/a>, which have spent over $54 million since 2007 on anti-LGBTQ efforts in Africa, are\u00a0linked to anti-LGBTQ bills and laws across the continent<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe support the reparations resolution. The argument it rests on is morally sound,\u201d reads a press release issued by JustRight Ghana \u2014 a Ghana-based human rights organization. \u201cThe transatlantic slave trade classified human beings as property based on what they were born as. It said that certain categories of people, by virtue of their birth, had no rights, no dignity, and no protection from the power of the state.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat is the same logic that runs through every clause of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill 2025. Section 3 says that being born with a particular sexual orientation makes you a criminal,\u201d the press release goes on to state. \u201cThe moral architecture is identical. The only thing that has changed is who the target is.\u201d<\/p>\n

The World Affairs Council of Philadelphia still intends to present Mahama with its International Statesperson Award on March 27.<\/p>\n

A blurb about the award on the institution\u2019s website reads, \u201cThe\u00a0International Statesperson Award\u00a0of the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia is the highest honor the Council bestows \u2014 a tribute for global leadership. It is presented periodically and awarded to distinguished international figures and world leaders whose work has advanced the twin goals of peace and freedom and resulted in a significant positive impact on world affairs.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mahama is also still invited to participate in a community dialogue event that will be held at Temple University on the evening of March 26. The event is advertised as celebrating Ghanaian music and artistic culture, comedy, and heritage \u2014 featuring celebratory performances as well as a dialogue with Mahama and other national leaders.<\/p>\n

\u201cAttendees will have the opportunity to hear firsthand from the president on Ghana\u2019s vision and emerging opportunities, engage in conversations that help shape diaspora partnerships, and explore business, investment, and cultural collaboration opportunities,\u201d reads an\u00a0Instagram post about the event<\/a>. \u201cThe evening also marks a historic moment as part of the president\u2019s first official visit to Philadelphia.\u201d<\/p>\n

The event was planned before Lincoln University canceled its conferment and according to a\u00a0press release<\/a>, Mahama intends to convene with people of the Ghanaian diaspora during the Temple University visit.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis conversation reflects something bigger than a single event,\u201d reads an\u00a0Instagram post published by Temple University Black Alumni Alliance<\/a>\u00a0about the event. \u201cIt represents connection across the diaspora, leadership across borders, and the importance of creating spaces where global perspectives and lived experiences can meet.\u201d<\/p>\n

In response to PGN\u2019s request for comments and answers to questions, Steve Orbanek, Temple University\u2019s executive director of communications and media relations, emailed the following statement:<\/p>\n

\u201cTemple University unequivocally opposes the exclusion of or discrimination against members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Temple takes pride in providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students, faculty, staff, alumni, neighbors and friends regardless of their race, nationality, religion, gender, sexual orientation or identity.<\/p>\n

\u201cPresident Mahama will be in the United States to attend the United Nations General Assembly during the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade. The US-Ghana Chamber of Commerce invited him to participate in a community event and approached Temple about using a venue on campus.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs a public university, Temple regularly provides space for speakers as part of our ongoing commitment to academic inquiry, open dialogue and public service. We have made venues available for third-party organizations, including political parties or campaigns, regardless of their political viewpoint or stance.\u202fThe presence of any speaker on campus is not an endorsement by Temple University of the speaker or their views.<\/p>\n

The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill that has been recently reintroduced in Ghana\u2019s Parliament is deeply troubling and runs counter to the mission and values of Temple University. Temple\u2019s strength is its people, and every member of our community adds to the cultural richness of our institution. We are committed to cultivating an educational environment founded on respect, open-mindedness, and the appreciation of others.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Philadelphia coalition of LGBTQ leaders rejects the idea that hosting a speaker does not reflect the views of the host institution and underlined that platforming political leaders with ties to problematic policies still produces harm.<\/p>\n

\u201cProviding a platform to a leader advancing policies that endanger LGBTQ lives and undermine HIV prevention is deeply irresponsible. Institutions of higher education should not normalize or legitimize harm under the guise of dialogue,\u201d said Sam Sitrin of ACT UP Philadelphia in the joint statement.<\/p>\n

\u201cUniversities should be spaces that uphold human rights and evidence-based public health,\u201d added Jose Demarco of ACT UP Philadelphia. \u201cHosting leaders associated with policies that criminalize LGBTQ people and undermine HIV prevention sends the wrong message at a time when lives are at stake.\u201d<\/p>\n

Temple\u2019s Center for Anti-Racism \u2014 an initiative of Temple\u2019s Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity, Advocacy, and Leadership (IDEAL) \u2014 which is\u00a0promoted on flyers and social media as hosting the event<\/a>, has not responded to PGN\u2019s questions or requests for comments. The event, which was previously included on the university\u2019s events listings, is no longer visible but has not been canceled as of Wednesday, March 25. It is unclear if the university is taking any steps to protect or uplift LGBTQ students during the event.<\/p>\n

The Philadelphia coalition of LGBTQ leaders called the decision to host the event in light of the local community\u2019s response \u201charmful and careless.\u201d They also raised concerns about Temple University\u2019s process to repair wounds and are pressuring Temple to cancel the event and formally apologize to Philadelphia\u2019s LGBTQ community.<\/p>\n

\u201cAccording to organizers, the university had knowledge of the concerns surrounding President Mahama\u2019s [anti-LGBTQ] record as early as Thursday [March 19] but did not conduct meaningful outreach to community partners, nonprofits, or local leaders most impacted by the issue,\u201d the coalition\u2019s press release reads.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen institutions fail to proactively engage communities on issues of this magnitude, it reveals a disconnect between stated values and actual practice.\u201d<\/p>\n

Coalition members joined additional Philadelphia-based leaders in sending a letter to Temple University\u2019s IDEAL initiative and Center for Anti-Racism \u2014 noting their concern for the event but also openness to dialoguing directly with the event\u2019s organizers to seek intentionality and transparency.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is not an abstract policy discussion. It is about the safety, dignity, and survival of LGBTQ people globally. For many in our communities, including African and Caribbean diaspora members here in Philadelphia, these policies have direct emotional, familial, and cultural impact,\u201d the letter reads. \u201cHosting this dialogue without intentional accountability risks legitimizing rhetoric and policies that endanger lives.\u201d<\/p>\n

Those who signed the letter described themselves as leaders who are Black and Brown, LGBTQ, representatives of HIV\/AIDS organizations, and individuals working in government, civil society and DEI spheres in Philadelphia. They include activists of ACT UP Philadelphia, representatives from\u00a0SMUG International<\/a>\u00a0and Bebashi, Ronda Goldfein of the AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania, Jacen Bowman of Philadelphia Black Pride, Andre Ford of The COLOURS Organization, Sappho Fulton of Womxn Beyond Borders,\u00a0Hazel Edwards<\/a>\u00a0of GALAEI, Simon Trowell of Mazzoni Center, Jos\u00e9 Benitez of Philadelphia FIGHT, Tyrell Brown of Philly Pride 365, Darius McLean of William Way LGBT Community Center, state Rep. Andre Carroll, state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, Philadelphia Councilmember Kendra Brooks, and Philadelphia Councilmember Rue Landau.<\/p>\n

They underline that proceeding without addressing concerns would risk harm to the very students and communities IDEAL purports to support.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs Black and Brown and African LGBTQ leaders, with the support of our allies, we are requesting that the organizers of this event include questions about this truly dangerous legislation and highlight the real world impact on Ghanaian LGBTQ people, their families and their communities,\u201d the letter insists. \u201cThough we believe in autonomy for all nations, and that Americans should not dictate the policy of other nations, we also believe that these deadly policies should not go unquestioned or unchallenged, especially since this event is sponsored by IDEAL, which has a strong commitment to the BIPOC, LGBTQ, and Ghanaian students at Temple.\u201d<\/p>\n

They underlined that questions about the matter should come directly from the event\u2019s organizers rather than become the responsibility of the community during a Q&A. The signed leaders hope to receive a response by Wednesday evening \u2014 and PGN will follow up with continued reporting when more information about the university and community\u2019s plans are known.<\/p>\n

\u201cSilence, in this moment, is not neutrality: it is complicity,\u201d the letter emphasizes.<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t