The United States of America has issued a strong warning to Ghana over moves to pass the anti-LGBTQ+ bill.
According to the US Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer, the potential enactment of the law could have negative repercussions on trade and investment within the country.
Ambassador Palmer cautioned that if Ghana were to pass a law discriminating against LGBTQ+ individuals, it could harm the nation’s reputation and deter potential investors, even as several American companies are considering investments in the country.
Addressing the media, Ambassador Palmer emphasized the importance of Ghana’s diverse ethnic communities in fostering stability and attractiveness for investments.
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She expressed hope that Ghana would continue to be inclusive, highlighting the potential negative impact of discrimination on both LGBTQ+ investors and exporters, as well as other American companies interested in doing business in the country.
“Lots of ethnic communities make Ghana strong, stable, and attractive for investments. I hope it stays that way with regard to the LGBTQ community. They should be managed to be made the colour of the money green or red if it’s Ghanaian, but if it is discrimination, then that will send a signal not to [only] LGBTQ investors and exporters but to other American companies. Then Ghana will be less welcoming…so I hope it stays that welcoming,” the US Ambassador to Ghana Virginia Palmer said.
The proposed Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill, which is at the consideration stage aims to criminalize LGBTQ+ activities, prevent the promotion and advocacy of LGBTQ+ content, and provide support and protection for children and individuals associated with LGBTQ+ matters.
In July 2023, the Supreme Court of Ghana dismissed a legal application seeking to halt the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, from proceeding with the bill’s consideration. The application, filed by researcher Dr Amanda Odoi, argued that the bill’s consideration violates Article 108 of the 1992 Constitution.
Article 108 of the Constitution stipulates that Parliament cannot consider a bill or motion that imposes taxation or a charge on the consolidated fund or public funds unless introduced by the president.
Dr Odoi contended that the bill in its current form would impose a charge on the consolidated fund and breach the 1992 Constitution, as it is a private member’s bill.
