The Ministry of Finance has advised President Akufo-Addo against signing the recently passed anti-LGBTQ+ Bill into law, citing potential negative impacts on the country’s financial support from international organizations.
In a press release issued on Monday, March 4, the Finance Ministry cautioned that signing the bill could jeopardize the disbursement of the expected US$300 million financing from the First Ghana Resilient Recovery Development Policy Operation (Budget Support), currently awaiting Parliamentary approval.
It also warned that ongoing negotiations on the Second Ghana Resilient Recovery Development Policy Operation (Budget Support), totaling US$300 million, could be suspended.
The Ministry highlighted the potential loss of financial resources and the resulting financing gap in the 2024 budget as major concerns.
To address these challenges, the Ministry recommended that the President engage with religious bodies to discuss the implications of signing the bill. It also suggested establishing a robust coalition and framework to support key development initiatives.
“The Presidency may have a structured engagement with local conservative forces such as religious bodies and faith-based organisations to communicate the economic implications of the passage of the ‘Anti-LGBTQ‘ Bill and to build a stronger coalition and a framework for supporting key development initiative that is likely to be affected.”
Parliament passed the bill on February 28, 2024, criminalizing LGBTQ activities and prohibiting their promotion, advocacy, and funding. Those convicted of such acts could face 6 months to 3 years in prison, while promoters or sponsors could be sentenced to 3 to 5 years.
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The bill’s approval has been met with criticism, notably from Virginia Evelyn Palmer, the United States Ambassador to Ghana, and other stakeholders.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has described the passage of bill as “profoundly disturbing.”
A portion of the UN Human Rights statement read “I call for the bill not to become law. I urge the Ghanaian Government to take steps to ensure everyone can live free from violence, stigma and discrimination, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Consensual same-sex conduct should never be criminalized.”
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