Catholic Bishops Conference Issues Warning to NPP Over Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill


The Catholic Bishops Conference has issued a stern warning to the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), threatening electoral consequences in the upcoming election should President Akufo-Addo decline to sign the Anti-LGBTQ+ bill into law.

This uncompromising standpoint remains firm despite reservations raised by the Finance Ministry, cautioning that such a decision could imperil Ghana's prospects of securing GHS3 billion in funding from the World Bank.

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In a detailed 5-page directive, the Ministry elucidated that failing to enact the legislation could result in substantial detriments for Ghana, including a loss of US$600 million in budget support for 2024 and US$250 million designated for the Financial Stability Fund. These financial setbacks are anticipated to inflict adverse effects on the country's foreign exchange reserves and exchange rate stability, pivotal for bolstering Ghana's reserve positioning.


Moreover, over the forthcoming six years, the Finance Ministry projected potential losses amounting to US$3.8 billion in World Bank financing, should the Anti-LGBTQ+ bill not be signed into law. Despite these dire financial implications, the Catholic Bishops Conference remains resolute in their insistence on the enactment of the bill.

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Very Rev Fr Clement Kwasi Adjei reiterates the Conference's unwavering position, emphasizing the unequivocal opposition to LGBTQ+ activities while acknowledging concerns around legal repercussions for suspects. Echoing the sentiment, he underscores the duty to denounce what is perceived as morally wrong, emphasizing the perceptive electoral consequences for President Akufo-Addo and the NPP should the bill not be ratified.

Amidst these escalating tensions, compounded by admonitions from the United States over the economic fallout following Parliament's passage of the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, human rights groups within Ghana have threatened legal action should President Akufo-Addo grant assent to the bill enacted on Wednesday.

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In response to the multifaceted challenges, the Finance Ministry advocates for robust engagement between the President and a spectrum of stakeholders, particularly faith-based organizations, to elucidate the ramifications of the legislation. Furthermore, the Ministry calls for effective dialogues with conservative nations including Arab countries and China, positioning such engagements as potential avenues to alleviate the anticipated financing deficits created by the bill's enactment.

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