Ghana's anti-LGBT bill could threaten the country's recovery from an economic crisis and debt default, a finance ministry document has shown. 

Accra

Ghana is currently facing an economic crisis, and there are concerns that proposed anti-LGBT legislation could further jeopardize the country's financial stability. According to a document from the finance ministry, the anti-LGBT bill has the potential to threaten Ghana's recovery efforts from its current economic challenges, including a debt default. The implications of such legislation are significant, suggesting that the economic repercussions could extend beyond issues of human rights and social policy.



Could Ghana's anti-LGBT bill derail the economy?

Ghanaian lawmakers have unanimously voted in favour of an anti-LGBT bill. But could that legislation imperil vital Western aid for the heavily-indebted West African country? First, let's look at the bill. Gay sex was already punishable with three years in prison in the socially-conservative country. But the new bill intensifies the crackdown. It includes a prison sentence of up to five years for the willful promotion, sponsorship or support of LGBTQ plus activities. Lawmakers say LGBT behaviour and advocacy goes against Ghana's cultural values. The bill's passage comes as Ghana seeks to emerge from a deep economic crisis and debt default. It's doing so with the help of an international monetary fund loan programme secured last year and financing from the World Bank. But a finance ministry document has warned that if the bill becomes law, that could lead to the loss of $3.8 billion in World Bank financing over the next five to six years, derailing the IMF loan package. That would have a, quote, dire consequence on the debt restructuring exercise and Ghana's long-term debt sustainability, said the document, which was dated March and contained recommendations for President Nana Akufo-Addo. It also recommended engaging with conservative countries, including Arab nations and China, to secure additional financing. The World Bank, which suspended new funding for Uganda after it passed a harsh anti-LGBT bill last year, has said it is preparing a response to Ghana's bill. The IMF has said it cannot weigh in on the implication of a bill that is not yet law. However, it also noted that internal IMF policies prohibit discrimination based on personal characteristics. But this is all of potentially little consequence if the bill doesn't become law. And that's still up in the air. To become law, it would need to be signed by Akufo-Addo, who on March 4 said the bill had not yet arrived on his desk. In a statement, he added that Ghana will not backslide on its human rights record. He also noted that the bill had been challenged in the Supreme Court. In the circumstances, he said, it would be better to await the court's decision before any action is taken.

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