Director of Research and Administration at Africa Policy Lens, Hayford Mensah Ayerakwa, says growing public dissatisfaction over the handling of Ghana’s anti-LGBTQ+ bill could significantly influence the 2028 general elections.
Speaking on the Asaase Breakfast Show on Monday (13 April), Ayerakwa revealed that 85.2% of respondents in a recent nationwide survey expressed disappointment in how the government has managed the bill.
When combined with those who said they were “somewhat disappointed,” the figure rises to nearly 89%.
He explained that much of the frustration stems from public expectations that the bill would have been passed into law by now, especially after extensive deliberations in the previous Parliament.
“Many Ghanaians believed the process would be straightforward, but they are now being told it has to start again,” he said.
The survey also found that 84.6% of respondents feel misled about the timeline and prospects of the bill becoming law.
According to Ayerakwa, this perception of delay and lack of urgency is driving voter sentiment.
Data from the study further suggests that the issue could become a decisive electoral factor, with 57.5% of respondents indicating they may vote against a government that fails to act.
“That is significant enough to change electoral outcomes,” he warned.
The survey also tested competing national priorities, revealing that 50.6% of respondents believe government should prioritise passing the bill, while 36.9% said both the bill and economic issues should be treated equally.
Only 12.5% agreed that economic concerns should take precedence.
Ayerakwa noted that this places the government in a difficult position, balancing domestic expectations against potential international pressure and economic consequences.
“I don’t envy the president,” he said, pointing to the tension between safeguarding cultural values and maintaining economic stability.
He also predicted that even if Parliament passes the bill, it could face further legal challenges, potentially delaying its implementation.
“Ghanaians are watching closely, and this issue will play a role in determining political fortunes in 2028,” he added.
The think tank says it will continue to track public sentiment on the issue alongside other key concerns, including the economy, as the country approaches the next election cycle.
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