We’ll not accept aid with LGBTQI conditions – Ofori-Atta

The Finance Minister-designate, Ken Ofori-Atta, has reiterated the government’s position on the legalisation of same-sex relationships in Ghana.

According to him, the government will not accept any foreign aid with the condition of legalising LGBT+ activities in the country.

“I think our sociology and our traditions are the most important enduring legacy that we have. So we will make decisions that suit our Ghanaian purpose so that we can develop in the way we want to develop,” he said.

Conversations surrounding lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI) activities in Ghana dominated the news in February with a section of Ghanaians calling for its legalisation and others raising strong objections against it.

Some Ghanaians expressed worry over LGBTQI legalisation being used as a condition for financial aid.

Mr. Ofori-Atta pointed out that the practice is in contravention of our Ghanaian culture.

Appearing before the vetting committee of parliament, the Minister-designate took a swipe at the former Special Prosecutor, Martin Amidu, for his report on the controversial Agyapa transaction.

According to him, the decision by the anti-graft campaigner to put out the report without giving him the opportunity to respond was a disservice to him.

“There is a bit of cynicism around the Agyapa transaction. I think that for Martin Amidu’s report on it to be put out to the public without a chance by people like me to discuss it is a disservice,”  he said

He added that the Agyapa deal will be resubmitted to parliament for scrutinizing before it is passed.

“We will resubmit it to parliament. The question, in this new normal, is what we do to leverage our natural resources. I hope we all come to terms with how we will capitalise and grow our transformation,” he added