The United States issued a stark warning Thursday, indicating potential restrictions on foreign aid to Ghana if the country’s president proceeds to sign into law a new bill criminalizing LGBTQ+ identification.
Ghana’s parliament recently approved legislation that proposes severe penalties, including up to three years in prison for identifying as LGBTQ+ and a five-year jail term for organizing or supporting LGBTQ+ groups.
State Department spokesperson Matt Miller underscored the potential repercussions, stating, “If this bill becomes law it would certainly have a chilling effect on foreign investment and tourism in Ghana.” Miller highlighted the possibility of ramifications on U.S. assistance should the bill be enacted.
While awaiting President Nana Akufo-Addo’s signature, the bill’s passage through parliament signals a contentious shift in Ghana’s legislative landscape. Akufo-Addo has previously indicated his inclination to endorse the bill if it aligns with public sentiment.
The United States, a significant contributor to Ghana’s aid programs, allocated over $211 million in assistance to the country in fiscal year 2022, supporting various sectors such as agriculture and healthcare initiatives combating malaria and AIDS. The extent of aid that may be withheld in response to the legislation remains unclear.
While many African nations criminalize same-sex relationships, recent legislative trends reflect a tightening of such laws across the continent.
Ghanaian parliamentarian Sam George, sponsor of the legislation, asserted online that the bill’s passage reflects a commitment to preserving national values and voices.
The U.S. response echoes its condemnation of Uganda’s stringent anti-LGBTQ+ laws. Washington previously curtailed $20 million of aid to Uganda in response to legislation that included the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality” and life imprisonment for “homosexuality.”
Amnesty International urged President Akufo-Addo to reject the legislation, emphasizing its draconian nature and the infringement upon the human rights of LGBTQ+ individuals. Genevieve Partington, Amnesty’s country director for Ghana, decried the bill’s passage, citing reports of increased discrimination and rights violations against LGBTQ+ individuals since its introduction in parliament.
