US Government Warns Ghana of Aid Restrictions Over Proposed Anti-Gay Bill

The United States government has issued a stern warning to Ghana regarding the Promotion of Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly known as the anti-gay bill.

In a video shared by GraphicOnline on March 1, 2024, the spokesperson for the US State Department, Matthew Miller, stated that serious consequences would follow if President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo signs the bill into law.

Miller mentioned ongoing discussions between the US administration and Ghana’s government to prevent the bill’s passage. He drew parallels to Uganda’s situation, which faced sanctions after passing a similar anti-gay law in 2023.

Miller emphasized that Ghana might face comparable repercussions, urging caution and implying that sanctions could be imposed if the bill is enacted. The US’s stance signifies a firm stance against the bill and a commitment to advocating for human rights and LGBTQ+ protections.

The journalist asked: “Could I take you to Africa… Ghana I know there’s a statement that you issued last night on the anti- LGBTQ bill, just to follow up on that.

My understanding is that the President, Akufo-Addo, hasn’t signed it yet. Are there talks with Ghana trying to stop this from becoming law? And if it comes to fruition, is there a sense of what the repercussions, if any, could be in the US?”

The State Department spokesperson replied: “So, we have made very clear what our opinion is on that law if you look at my statement yesterday, and we have made that clear in private conversations with the government of Ghana as well.

“I don’t think I should get any more specific than that. But if this bill becomes law, it would certainly have a chilling effect on foreign investment and tourism in Ghana.”

He added, “You’ve seen that same chilling effect bear fruit in Uganda, which passed a very similar law in the past. And I can say that should the bill pass, it would potentially have ramifications on US assistance in the country.”

The United States government provides Ghana with aid across various sectors, such as agriculture, malaria prevention, HIV/AIDS control, and military support.

In 2022, reports indicated that US assistance to Ghana totaled $211 million. In a previous statement shared on X on February 28, 2024, Matthew Miller expressed that Ghana’s anti-gay bill infringes upon the rights of its citizens. He emphasized that the bill also jeopardizes Ghana’s international standing and its economic partnerships.

Miller stated, “The passage of a law by Ghana’s parliament criminalizing LGBTQI+ individuals puts at risk the rights of all its citizens, its global reputation, and its economic progress.

Ghana’s longstanding tradition of inclusivity will be compromised if this bill is enacted into law,” conveying the US government’s concerns regarding the potential negative impact of the bill on Ghana’s society, reputation, and economic growth.