How Ghana's Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill Could Hurt Its Economy and Reputation - U.S Warns

Ghana is facing a serious backlash from the United States after its Parliament passed a bill that would criminalise LGBT

QI+ people and their allies. The bill, known as the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, has sparked controversy and criticism from human rights groups, who say it violates the rights and dignity of LGBTQI+ people.

The bill's sponsors, however, are defiant and confident that the bill will become law soon. They say they are ready to face any sanctions or consequences from the international community. They argue that Ghana is a sovereign nation that has the right to uphold its own values and morals.

But the U.S, one of Ghana's major trade and development partners, has issued a strong warning to Ghana about the potential impact of the bill on its economy and reputation. The U.S Department of State Spokesperson, Matthew Miller, said in a press release that the U.S is deeply troubled by the passage of the bill.

He said that the bill would threaten the constitutional freedoms of speech, press, and assembly of all Ghanaians. He also said that the bill would criminalise anyone who identifies as LGBTQI+, or anyone who supports or fails to report them.

He added that the bill would also harm Ghana's public health, media and civic spaces, and economy. He cited international business coalitions that have stated that such discrimination in Ghana would deter investment and economic growth in the country.

The U.S also reminded Ghana of its tradition of tolerance, peace, and respect for human rights, which has made it a stable and prosperous country and a model for others. He said that the bill would be inconsistent with these values and tarnish Ghana's image.

He praised the efforts of some civil society groups in Ghana, who have opposed the bill and threatened to challenge it in the Supreme Court if President Akufo-Addo signs it into law. He said that limiting the rights of one group in a society undermines the rights of all.

He also echoed the call by some Ghanaians who have urged a review of the constitutionality of the bill to protect the rights of all individuals in Ghana.

The bill, which was passed on Wednesday, has been widely condemned by local and international human rights organisations, such as the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch. They have called on President Akufo-Addo to reject the bill and uphold the human rights of all Ghanaians, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.