Dormaahene Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu II has entreated government to retract its request to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) should the credit facility’s approval be linked to acceptance of the LGBTQ community.
According to him, the beliefs, practices and traditions of Ghana are priceless to be exchanged for a tabooed activity worth $3 billion.
Speaking to a gathering at Dormaa, he stated that no amount of influence from the United States would cause Ghanaians to embrace homosexuality.
“How much are we going for from the IMF? Three billion dollars? It is little. Just because of this money, we prayed for the Vice President of the United States of America. When she came recently, did you listen to what she said. We should allow homosexuality. Take your money. Take your America,” he said.
“We don’t want any LGBTQ money. We will eat our kontomire,” the Dormaahene stressed.
During her stay in Ghana as part of her 9-day tour of Africa, Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris entreated that the rights of LGBTQ members to recognised as human rights. Her comments has however been opposed by many including Speaker Alban Bagbin, Ningo-Prampram MP, Sam Nartey George among others.
Ghana in July 2022 reached out to the IMF for economic assistance but its been eight months and the Fund is yet to approve the West African country’s request.
It has been alleged that the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill 2021 also known as anti-LGBTQ bill currently in Parliament is among the reasons for the delay.
The claim is yet to be confirmed or refuted by the government.
Meanwhile, Ghana is working on obtaining assurances from its creditors including China to guarantee an approval from the IMF Board Chair.
Source: The Independent Ghana