Sam Nartey George, the primary sponsor of the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bills, otherwise known as Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill, has confidently stated that severing business ties with the United States would not inflict severe repercussions on Ghana.
This declaration comes in response to a cautionary statement by the U.S. ambassador to Ghana, Virginia E. Palmer, who warned that the passage of the anti-LGBTQ+ bill could negatively impact investments and trade relations between the two nations.
In stark contrast to the ambassador’s warning, Sam George holds the opinion that there will be no substantial impact on either domestic policy or international relations for Ghana.
“I am looking at the US Department of Commerce website, the international trade administration’s own report on Ghana-US trade. It says that the major trade items between Ghana and the US was basically cocoa and gold.
“If you look at the companies in that space that are exporting cocoa powder and cocoa paste, or looking at exporting crude oil, those are not Ghanaian companies. Those are American companies. So yes, it is reflecting as Ghanaian trade to the US but it is not Ghanaian companies who are earning those monies.”
Samuel Nartey George
He emphasized that in he foresees no such situation that these foreign companies will fold up.
“They are American companies working in Ghana and exporting Ghanaian products to America and Ghana is going to pass a law that majority of Ghanaians support. An oil business fold up and leave Ghana? You think because an American ambassador has said this, a Licensed Buying Company will fold up and leave? They won’t!”
Samuel Nartey George
Additionally, Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has directed the Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs Committee to accelerate the progress on the Anti-LGBTQ Bill, aiming for its approval by the upcoming week.
The bill, currently under consideration, seeks to regulate LGBTQ+ and associated activities by prohibiting the promotion, advocacy, or propagation of such practices. Its primary objective is to offer protection for children and individuals engaged in or accused of participating in LGBTQ+ activities.
The urgency of passing the bill was underscored by the Speaker during proceedings, as he communicated this directive to the committee’s chairman.
“You know the most import bill I am referring to, chairman…Most important bill; I insist that next week we have to take it and finish it. It has been pending for a long time and questions are being raised. You know, when you delay on doing some of these things it creates suspicion. We know how dear this our people hold the critical nature of that bill. So please move to make sure it is passed.”
Alban Bagbin
US Elevates Ghana’s Travel Advisory To Level 2
Meanwhile, the United States Embassy has elevated its travel advisory for Ghana to Level 2, urging travelers to “exercise increased caution” due to emerging threats against LGBTQI+ individuals.
The issued alert specifically cites concerns about crime and violence directed at the LGBTQI+ community in Ghana. Areas in the Bono East, Bono, Savannah, Northern, North East, and Upper East regions are identified with alleged increased risks, citing civil unrest.
The advisory warns of violent crimes such as carjacking and street mugging, particularly at night and in isolated locations. Travelers are advised to exercise increased caution in urban areas, crowded markets, and when traveling after dark. Areas near the northern border in the Upper East and Upper West regions are highlighted for heightened caution due to security issues.
The Embassy noted the limited ability of the U.S. government to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Ghana, emphasizing the local police’s potential resource constraints in responding effectively to serious crimes. The advisory also addressed challenges faced by LGBTQI+ travelers in Ghana, citing legal prohibitions on same-sex activities with potential fines and incarceration. The increase in anti-LGBTQI+ rhetoric and reported incidents of violence, including assaults, rape, mob attacks, and harassment, are highlighted.
Travelers are encouraged to visit the embassy’s LGBTQI+ Travel Information page, review the Human Rights Report, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for emergency alerts, and review the Country Security Report for Ghana. A contingency plan for emergency situations is recommended, and travelers are advised to follow the Department of State on social media for updates.
In a separate section, the advisory emphasized increased caution in border areas, particularly the northern border, limiting travel for U.S. government personnel due to security concerns over criminal activity in remote regions.
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