The United States Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer, has issued a stern warning to Ghana concerning the controversial anti-gay bill currently under consideration in the country's Parliament.
Ambassador Palmer expressed concerns that if the bill is passed, it could deter not only American investors but also investors from the LGBTQI community, potentially damaging Ghana's reputation as a welcoming and tolerant society.
In an interview on Thursday, August 10, Ambassador Palmer highlighted Ghana's strong reputation for interreligious and ethnic harmony, qualities that have made it an attractive destination for foreign investments.
She emphasized, "There is money to be made, and the color of your money is green or red, but if there is discrimination or worse, then that will send a signal to not just LGBTQ investors but other American companies."
These comments come in the wake of the World Bank's announcement that it would suspend new loans to Uganda due to its contentious anti-LGBTQ law.
The World Bank condemned the law, asserting that it contradicts the institution's core values of inclusivity and non-discrimination.
The lender underlined its commitment to eradicating poverty while embracing diversity.
However, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, one of the sponsors of Ghana's anti-gay bill, downplayed the World Bank's actions, asserting that Ghana would not be swayed by external pressure.
He argued that the World Bank should not attempt to coerce African countries into accepting practices that conflict with their cultural and societal norms.
Dafeamekpor stated, "Ghana is not perturbed by what is happening in Uganda. In any case, the World Bank is a bank for all of us, it is not a bank of just a group of people."
He further noted that Africa comprises numerous nations, and attempts to impose LGBTQ acceptance could be met with resistance.