The US ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer, has said Ghana remains an attractive destination for investors and discriminating against the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender and Queer Intersexual (LGBTQI) community will only make her unattractive not only to LGBTQI investors and exporters but also to other American companies.
The US ambassador made the comments when she addressed journalists in Accra on Thursday, 10 August 2023.
According to the US ambassador, Ghana will be less welcoming to investors if it goes ahead with the passing of the anti-gay bill.
She noted: “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 bill is currently before the House of Legislature for final consideration and passage into law once it is referred by the House to the President for legal assent to conclude the process .
Background
The anti-LGBTQ+ Bill, which is currently under consideration by Parliament, aims to criminalise LGBTQ+ activities, prohibit the promotion and advocacy of LGBTQ+ content, and provide protection and support for children and individuals involved in LGBTQ+ issues.
In Parliament on July 5, all 275 Members of Parliament (MPs) unanimously approved the passage of the anti-LGBTQ Bill.
This came after months of public debate and ratification of the 36-page document by the legislators and stakeholders since its introduction in 2021.
