Anti-gay bill could push American investors away from Ghana – US Ambassador warns
The US Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer, has issued a caution to Ghana regarding the anti-gay bill under consideration in Parliament.
She has expressed concerns that if this bill is enacted, it could discourage investment from both the LGBTQI community and other American investors in Ghana.
Palmer emphasized that Ghana has long been recognized as a welcoming and tolerant society, highlighting the harmony between different religions and ethnic groups.
She noted that this diversity makes Ghana a strong, stable, and appealing destination for investments. Palmer expressed her hope that Ghana will continue to maintain this openness and tolerance towards the LGBTQI community, recognizing the economic potential that such inclusion can bring.
The timing of her comments coincides with the World Bank’s decision to suspend new loans to Uganda due to its controversial anti-LGBTQ law.
The World Bank has highlighted its commitment to inclusion and non-discrimination, stating that Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act contradicts its core values. The lender is implementing measures to protect sexual and gender minorities in its projects, demonstrating its dedication to these principles.
In response, one of the sponsors of the anti-gay bill in Ghana’s Parliament, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, has expressed a firm stance that Ghana will not be affected by the World Bank’s actions against Uganda. He has emphasized that African countries,
including Ghana, should not be coerced or “blackmailed” into accepting homosexuality. Dafeamekpor, a Member of Parliament, reiterated that Africa has
54 nations, and any attempts to force LGBTQ acceptance onto the continent would be met with resistance. He asserted that Ghana will stand strong and unwavering on this matter, refusing to yield to external pressures.
