Virginia Palmer, the US Ambassador to Ghana, has cautioned that the passing of the Anti-LGBTQ+ bill may have an impact on commerce and investment in the nation.
While a number of American corporations are planning to invest in Ghana, Ambassador Palmer believes that any law that discriminates against LGBTQ+ individuals would harm the country’s reputation and make it less appealing to investors.
Speaking to journalists in Accra, Ambassador Palmer said: “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 Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill, which is presently being debated in Parliament, seeks to criminalise LGBTQ+ acts, forbid the promotion and advocacy of LGBTQ+ content, and protect and assist children and persons involved in LGBTQ+ concerns.
In July 2023, the Supreme Court of Ghana denied an appeal attempting to enjoin the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, from proceeding with the bill’s consideration.
Dr Amanda Odoi, a scholar, submitted the application, arguing that the bill’s continued consideration violates Article 108 of the 1992 Constitution.
According to Article 108 of the Constitution, no bill or motion shall be considered by Parliament if, in the view of the person presiding, the measure is to impose taxation, impose a charge on the consolidated fund, or other public money, unless proposed by the president.
The petitioner contends that the law, in its whole, will impose a tax on the consolidated financed and, as a private members bill, violates the 1992 Constitution.
This legal action adds to the continuing debate and controversy around the anti-LGBTQ+ measure, with stakeholders voicing opposing views on the proposed legislation.