IN a significant development, the ministry of finance has urged President Akufo-Addo to refrain from signing the recently approved Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill into law, citing potential economic fallout. The Ministry issued a press release on Monday, March 4, highlighting concerns regarding the adverse impact on the country’s financial support from international bodies like the Bretton Woods Institutions.
The ministry underscored that the enactment of the bill could jeopardise crucial financial assistance, including the anticipated $300 million financing from the First Ghana Resilient Recovery Development Policy Operation (Budget Support). This funding, awaiting Parliamentary approval, might face disbursement challenges if the bill becomes law. Moreover, negotiations on the Second Ghana Resilient Recovery Development Policy Operation (Budget Support), totalling $300 million, could face suspension.
Emphasising the potential ramifications, the Ministry warned of a substantial loss of financial resources, which could result in a significant financing gap in the 2024 budget. To address these challenges, the ministry urged the president to engage with religious bodies to discuss the implications of signing the bill and to establish a robust coalition and framework for supporting key development initiatives.
In its statement, the ministry emphasised, ‘The Presidency may have a structured engagement with local conservative forces such as religious bodies and faith-based organisations to communicate the economic implications of the passage of the ‘Anti-LGBTQ’ Bill and to build a stronger coalition and a framework for supporting key development initiative that is likely to be affected.’
The ministry further suggested that ‘the President may have to defer assenting to the Bill until the court rules on the legal issues tabled by key national stakeholders (CSOs and CHRAJ).’
The Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill, approved by parliament on February 28, 2024, criminalises LGBTQ activities and prohibits their promotion, advocacy, and funding. Individuals found guilty of such acts could face imprisonment ranging from 6 months to 3 years, while those promoting or sponsoring such activities could be sentenced to 3 to 5 years behind bars.
The bill’s passage has stirred criticism from various quarters, including Virginia Evelyn Palmer, the Ambassador of the United States to Ghana, reflecting the contentious nature of the issue both domestically and internationally.
