Josiah
The Ministry of Finance is advising President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo against signing the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly known as the anti-gay bill, into law. The Finance Ministry highlights potential severe repercussions on the country’s financial support from international organizations if the bill is enacted.
The Finance Ministry emphasizes that the First Ghana Resilient Recovery Development Policy Operation (Budget Support) awaiting Parliamentary approval may not be disbursed, and discussions on the Second Ghana Resilient Recovery Development Policy Operation (Budget Support) worth US$300 million might be halted if the President assents to the anti-gay bill.
These financial consequences could lead to a significant loss of resources, causing a financing shortfall in the 2024 budget. To address these issues, the Ministry suggests that the President engage with religious leaders to discuss the economic implications of signing the bill, form a strong coalition, and establish a framework to support key development efforts.
The Finance Ministry proposes, “The President may have a structured engagement with local
conservative forces such as religious bodies and faith-based organisations to communicate the economic implications of the passage of the ‘Anti-LGBTQ’ Bill” and to “build a stronger coalition and a framework for supporting key development initiatives that are likely to be affected.”
Additionally, the Ministry recommends deferring the assent to the bill until the court rules on the legal issues raised by key national stakeholders, including civil society organizations and CHRAJ (Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice).
