- The enactment of Ghana’s new bill will trigger repercussions, including the blockage of humanitarian aid and withdrawal of World Bank funds.
- Democratically passed by major political parties, the law awaits approval.
What does the bill propose?
The bill mandates a maximum five-year prison term for the formation or funding of LGBTQ+ groups. Efforts to replace imprisonment with community service and counseling were met with resistance from lawmakers. This marks a growing opposition to LGBTQ+ rights in the conservative West African nation.
The bill, supported by Ghana’s two main political parties, will only take effect if President Nana Akufo-Addo signs it into law.
The bill proposes a maximum 10-year prison sentence for anyone involved in LGBTQ+ advocacy targeting children and encourages the public to report LGBTQ+ individuals to authorities for “necessary action.” Lawmakers said the bill was drafted in response to the opening of Ghana’s first LGBTQ+ community centre in the capital, Accra, in January 2021. The centre was shut down by police following public protests and pressure from religious bodies and traditional leaders in the predominantly Christian nation. At the time, the Christian Council of Ghana and the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council issued a joint statement denouncing LGBTQ+ identities as “antithetical to Ghanaian culture and family values.”
It has been stated that the decision regarding the bill aims to protect minors and victims of abuse in Ghana.
There was an earlier proposal, featuring shorter prison terms and the removal of conversion therapy. During the debate, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the deputy parliamentary leader of the ruling party, suggested further amendments. He proposed that legislators determine, via secret ballot, whether individuals convicted of LGBTQ+ affiliation should receive prison sentences or be subjected to community service and counseling. However, his proposition was drowned out by lawmakers advocating for imprisonment.
The Bill Passage Imperils $3.8 Billion in World Bank Funds and Endangers Ghana’s International Aid
Interestingly, insights from a Finance Ministry document, as seen by Bloomberg, suggest that Ghana could jeopardise $3.8 billion in World Bank funding should the proposed bill be enacted into law. Lenders might opt to withhold loans for a significant span of five to six years. Consequently, this legislative move could leave Ghana hungry for $850 million in the present fiscal year. Furthermore, Ghana could be at risk of reaching International aid.
It is noteworthy that over 24.2% of Ghana’s populace currently grapples with food scarcity, residing beneath the poverty line, according to Oxfam International.
According to the internal document, the finance ministry stated that the loss of World Bank financing would have adverse effects on foreign exchange reserves and exchange rate stability.
That would consequently “derail” the IMF program, initiating a negative market response that would impact exchange rate stability, it further added.
“A derailed IMF programme will have dire consequence on the debt restructuring exercise and Ghana’s long-term debt sustainability,” it said.
The World Bank mentioned it was readying a response. The IMF referenced its statement from Friday, reiterating its inability to comment on the implications of a bill not yet signed into law. Additionally, the IMF emphasised its internal policies that forbid discrimination based on personal characteristics.
It also suggested “engagement with conservative countries, including the Arab countries and China,” to sure additional financing.
This vividly highlights the substantial interest and sway wielded by LGBTQ advocacy groups.
The bill has been passed unanimously and in accordance with democratic principles. Nevertheless, Ghana finds itself coerced into embracing an ideology that the majority of its people do not espouse.
Once again, America intervenes and endeavours to assert its influence and prevailing ideology over other nations.
The United States has expressed being “deeply troubled” by the proposed legislation and has urged a review of the “constitutionality of the bill.”
“Africa must begin to assert our rights; we are not puppets and stooges of the US and the West.” -Hon Sam George, Member of Parliament representing Ningo-Prampram, Accra, Ghana
Developments since last week
Despite Ghana’s President previously stating that he would sign off the bill if the majority of Ghanaians wanted him to do so, President Nana Akufo-Addo is presently confronted with incontrovertible international financial pressure.
He has stated that he will refrain from giving assent to an anti-gay bill until the Supreme Court rules on its constitutionality.
