Ningo-Prampram Member of Parliament, Samuel Nartey George has responded to comments by the US Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer with regard to the threat Ghana faces if it goes ahead to pass the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, 2021.
On Thursday, August 10 during the US-Ghana Business Summit, the US Ambassador expressed concern that the passage of what has become known as the anti-LGBTQ+ in Ghana might deter American investors from considering the country as an attractive investment destination.
She urged the government and Parliament to tread cautiously with the passage of the bill.
“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.
On the back of this, 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.”
He asserted that Ghana remains open to international collaborations and investments from all corners of the globe, including the United States.
He, however, emphasised that investors who respect and appreciate the principles upheld by Ghana are likely to find a welcoming environment that offers stability, democracy, and a rich cultural tapestry.
“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.
Mr George questioned whether American investors are looking to invest in a country that lacks values and principles.
“….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 quizzed.
He noted that Ghana’s intention to pass the anti-LGBTQ Bill is not different from the American legal framework, particularly in states like Florida and Kentucky.
Mr George added that is worth noting that the US Supreme Court’s stance on these matters bears semblance to Ghana’s position, suggesting a shared perspective on certain values.
