U.S. Warns of Economic Fallout as Ghana Enacts Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill

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Following the enactment of the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill by Ghana's parliament, the United States has issued a warning about potential dire implications for the Ghanaian economy. 

The sponsors of the bill are anticipating swift presidential assent to implement the legislation, despite concerns raised by human rights organizations like the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) regarding possible human rights violations.

Related To This: Parliament Passes Controversial Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill After 3 Years of Deliberation

Emmanuel Kwesi Bedzrah, a key sponsor of the bill, responded to questions about international repercussions by highlighting the country's economic challenges and referencing Uganda's similar experience with international pressure. He expressed readiness for any sanctions from international organizations, emphasizing Ghana's sovereignty.


However, the U.S. Department of State spokesperson expressed deep concern over the passage of the law. Matthew Miller stated that the framework could jeopardize constitutionally protected freedoms of speech, press, and assembly for all Ghanaians. 

The bill's provisions criminalizing LGBTQI+ identification and penalizing those who fail to report individuals could also undermine public health, media, civic spaces, and the economy in Ghana.

Related To This: Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill Poses Risks to Fundamental Human Rights - CDD-Ghana

The U.S. highlighted Ghana's historical tradition of tolerance, peace, and respect for human rights as a pillar of stability and prosperity, noting that the new law could contradict these foundational values. Human rights groups within Ghana have threatened legal action at the Supreme Court if President Akufo-Addo grants assent to the bill.

Acknowledging civil society's concerns, the United States emphasized that curtailing the rights of one group undermines the rights of all individuals in society. It echoed calls for a review of the bill's constitutionality to safeguard the rights of every individual in Ghana.

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