Finance Ministry Urges President Akufo-Addo to Delay Signing Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill Amid Financial Concerns

Written by Afua Amankwanowa

The Ministry of Finance has issued a statement urging President Akufo-Addo to exercise caution before signing the recently passed Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill into law. Their concern stems from the potential adverse financial consequences that could arise if the bill is enacted. Specifically, they highlighted the risk of jeopardizing crucial financial support from international organizations such as the Bretton Woods Institutions.

The Ministry emphasized that the enactment of the bill could have severe repercussions on Ghana's financial standing, particularly in relation to ongoing and future financial assistance. They pointed out that the country is currently awaiting parliamentary approval for a US$300 million financing package under the First Ghana Resilient Recovery Development Policy Operation (Budget Support). Additionally, negotiations for another US$300 million under the Second Ghana Resilient Recovery Development Policy Operation (Budget Support) are ongoing. However, the Ministry cautioned that these funds might be at risk of suspension if the bill is signed into law.

Furthermore, the Ministry highlighted the potential for a significant loss of financial resources, which could result in a financing gap in the 2024 budget. To address these challenges, they recommended that the President engage with religious bodies to discuss the implications of signing the bill into law. They also suggested establishing a robust coalition and framework for supporting key development initiatives that may be affected by the enactment of the bill.

In light of the concerns raised, the Ministry proposed that the President consider deferring assent to the bill until legal issues raised by key national stakeholders, such as Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), are resolved.

The Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill, officially known as the Promotion of Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, has passed through various stages in Parliament. It categorizes engaging in "unnatural carnal knowledge" as a misdemeanor, punishable by a maximum imprisonment term of three years.