Ghana's new president, John Mahama, faces the decision at the start of his new term on whether to sign the country’s strict anti-LGBTQ+ law.

This law, one of the harshest in Africa, was passed by parliament last year. However, former President Akufo-Addo had not signed it, preventing it from taking effect. Akufo-Addo justified his decision by stating that he wanted to wait for the outcome of legal challenges against the law. So far, the courts have dismissed three of these challenges, with a final ruling expected in March.

Mahama must now weigh whether to approve a strict anti-LGBTQ+ law that could jeopardize billions of dollars in funding from international donors.

If enacted, the law could further restrict access to jobs, healthcare, and housing for LGBTQ+ people in the West African country, who already face discrimination and marginalization. Same-sex relationships in Ghana are currently punishable by up to three years in prison, but the new law would increase maximum sentences and introduce a range of new offenses, including identifying as LGBTQ+ or advocating for LGBTQ+ rights.

Ghana’s Ministry of Finance stated in March last year that implementing the law over the next five to six years could result in the loss of $3.8 billion in World Bank funding and jeopardize a $3 billion loan package from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Without support from the World Bank and the IMF, other international investors might also withdraw their financing. This could lead to severe financial difficulties for Ghana, which only last year managed to restructure its debt after nearly two years of being unable to pay its creditors following a previous financial crisis.

President Mahama repeatedly emphasized during his recent election campaign that he supports the law.