Anti-LGBT law: Ghanaian MP flays US ambassador, demands respect for cultural values

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Ningo-Prampram Constituency, Samuel Nartey George, has demanded respect for the cultural values of the Ghanaian citizens as he responds to the comments by the US Ambassador to Ghana.

Ambassador Virginia Palmer earlier threatened Ghana should the country go ahead and pass the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, 2021.

At the US-Ghana Business Summit recently held in the country, the US Ambassador stressed that the passing of what has become known as the anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in Ghana may discourage American investors from recognizing Ghana as an attractive business location.

She called on the government and Parliament to apply caution in passing the law.

“Lots of ethnic communities make Ghana strong, stable, and attractive for investments. I hope it stays that way with regard to the LGBTQ community.

“And again, there’s money to be made if your colour is green or red; it is Ghanaian. But if there is discrimination or worse, then that will send a signal not to [only] LGBTQ investors and exporters but to other American investors that Ghana is less welcoming than I am telling people that it is now”, she told journalists.

In his reaction, MP Sam George, who is also the lead sponsor of the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill said it is surprising for the US Ambassador to suggest that “US would not find Ghana attractive if we as Ghanaians uphold our values and reject the depravity of LGBTQI.” My Joy online reported.

“Let me reassure you and the US Embassy that Ghana remains welcoming and open to American investors as a stable, viable democracy. We welcome investors who value the principles of integrity and respect the cultural values of their partners,” he said.

….I thought the basic test of a potential partner is integrity and values. Ghana as you know is very intolerant of religious extremism. Has that made American investors wary of Ghana as an intolerant investment destination,?” he asked.

Mr George went on to say that the US Supreme Court’s attitude on the LGBT issues is similar to Ghana’s, implying a common perspective on particular beliefs.