An old video of the late former President John Evans Atta-Mills has resurfaced online, capturing his response to comments made by then British Prime Minister David Cameron on LGBTQ+ and aid to Ghana.
The video shows Atta-Mills reacting to reports that the United Kingdom (UK) could consider cutting aid to Ghana if the country failed to legalise homosexuality.
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Addressing the issue at the time, the late President firmly rejected any external pressure on Ghana to change its laws, stressing the country’s sovereignty.
He stated that while David Cameron was entitled to his views, he could not impose them on other nations.
“Let me make one thing very clear. No one can deny Prime Minister Cameron his right to make policies, take initiatives, or make statements that reflect his societal norms and ideals, but he does not have the right to direct other sovereign nations as to what they should do, especially where their societal norms and ideals are different from those which exist in Prime Minister Cameron's society,” he said.
The late former President Atta-Mills further made it clear that his government would not consider legalising LGBTQ+ under any circumstances.
He emphasised his commitment to Ghana’s constitutional principles.
“I, as President of this nation, will never initiate or support any attempts to legalise homosexuality in Ghana. As a government, we will abide by the principles enshrined in our constitution, which constitution is supreme,” he indicated.
The late former President also addressed the issue of foreign aid, cautioning against accepting assistance tied to conditions that could negatively affect the country.
He indicated that Ghana would prioritise its national interest over conditional aid.
“Let me also say that whilst we acknowledge all the financial assistance and all the aid which has been given to us by our development partners, we will not accept any aid with strings attached if that aid will not inure to our interests or the implementation or the utilization of that aid with strings attached would rather worsen our plight as a nation or destroy the very society that we want to use the money to improve,” he stated.
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The late Atta-Mills explained that Ghana’s laws should reflect its culture and history, stressing that such decisions must be made by Ghanaians, not outsiders.
As the LGBTQ matter rears its ugly head again and the nation is prevaricating and cavorting; Mother Ghana 🇬🇭 can’t help but evoke the ever-echoing God-fearing and nation-protecting strong words of President John Evans Atta-Mills on the matter.
— Samuel Koku Anyidoho🇬🇭 (@KokuAnyidoho) April 2, 2026
A very strong Servant-Leader;… pic.twitter.com/SLwnLsvfZr
MAG/VPO
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