President Akufo Addo has reassured the diplomatic community that Ghana remains committed to upholding human rights and the rule of law.
“I want to assure you that no such back-sliding will be contemplated or occasioned,” President Akufo-Addo stated, emphasizing Ghana’s longstanding record on human rights observance.
He said this in his address during the Diplomatic New Year Greetings with Members of the Diplomatic Corps.
Amidst growing concerns from the diplomatic community and human rights advocates, following the passage of the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill by Parliament,President Akufo Addo acknowledged the mounting controversy surrounding the bill.
He highlighted the legal challenge mounted at the Supreme Court by a concerned citizen questioning the constitutionality of the proposed legislation.
He urged restraint, stating, “In the circumstances, it would be, as well, for all of us to hold our hands, and await the decision of the Court before any action is taken.”
Ghana’s parliament on Wednesday February 28,2024 passed legislation that strengthens penalties against LGBTQ individuals and those advocating for non-conventional sexual or gender identities in the country.
The bill introduces a prison sentence of up to five years for promoting LGBTQ activities, in addition to the existing punishment for gay sex.
Sponsored by a coalition of Christian, Muslim, and traditional Ghanaian leaders, the bill will now be presented to President Akufo-Addo, who has seven days to decide whether to assent or refuse.
The Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC) has urged President Akufo Addo to grant assent to the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values bill passed by Ghana’s Parliament, stating: “This is the earnest expectation of most Ghanaians.”
However, the Big 18 ” and Human Rights Coalition has urged President Akufo Addo not to assent arguing that, “the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill violates key fundamental human rights provisions in Ghana’s 1992 Constitution. In one swoop, this Bill seeks to infringe on, among others, the rights to dignity, freedom of speech, freedom of association, freedom to partake in processions, academic freedom, equality, and non-discrimination”.
On March 4,2024 ,Ghana’s Ministry of Finance lamented ,the country is likely to lose US$3.8 billion in World Bank Financing over the next five to six years and also derail the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme if anti-gay bill is assented to.
The Ministry in a statement catalogued a number of challenges Ghana may grapple with as a result of the passage of the LGBTQ+ passage by Parliament.
“The expected US$300 million financing from the First Ghana Resilient Recovery Development Policy Operation (Budget Support) which is currently pending Parliamentary approval might not be disbursed by the Bank when it is approved by Parliament.;
“On-going negotiations on the Second Ghana Resilient Recovery Development Policy Operation (Budget Support) amounting to US$300 million may be suspended; On-going negotiations for US$250 million to support the Ghana Financial Stability Fund ay be suspended;
“Disbursement of undisbursed amounts totaling US$2.1 billion for on-going projects will be suspended; and Preparation of pipeline projects and declaration of effectiveness for two projects totaling worth US$900million may be suspended. Full details of the World Bank portfolio are attached as Appendix 1 & 2.
“In total, Ghana is likely to lose US$3.8 billion in World Bank Financing over the next five to six years. For 2024 Ghana will lose US$600 million Budget support and US$250 million for the Financial Stability Fund. This will negatively impact on Ghana’s foreign exchange reserves and exchange rate stability as these inflows are expected to shore the country’s reserve position.”
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Obed Ansah
