Passage of anti-LGBTQ+ Bill can deter LGBTQ+ investors – US Ambassador to Ghana warns

US Ambassador to Ghana Virginia Palmer has asked the government and Parliament to consider the implications of the passage of the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill to Ghanaians.

Virginia Palmer explained that it is possible the passage of the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill would drive away LGBTQ+ investors and other American Companies from investing in Ghana’s economy.

“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 US Ambassador to Ghana Virginia Palmer said whiles addressing the media in Accra on August 10, 2023.

The passage of the controversial bill was unanimously agreed by parliament on Wednesday, July 5, 2023.

Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin, addressing the House said that no legislator is against the passage of the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, 2021.

The Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee of Parliament has also agreed for Parliament to pass the controversial bill which is being opposed by some Human Rights activists in the country since its introduction in 2021.

The Committee opined that the majority of Ghanaians are in favour of the passage of the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill 2021.

Alban Bagbin addressing a delegation of the Coalition of the Muslim Organisation of Ghana earlier this month assured the team and Ghanaians that the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill would definitely be passed before the end of the year.