Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram, Sam Nartey George, has revealed the challenges he faces due to his advocacy for the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill, which has made him a target for institutions supporting same-sex relations.
He shared details about the various attacks he has endured, ranging from public call-outs to cancellations of his appearances on programs unrelated to his specific advocacy.
Addressing the issue of visa bans imposed by certain Western countries, George clarified that he has not personally experienced a ban or visa refusal.
However, he acknowledged that the U.S. embassy had previously subjected him to a three-month delay in processing his visa.
“They did not refuse me, they delayed it. Parliament sent six applications, including mine. Five were given, mine took an additional three months before it came,” he told Bola Ray on the December 14, 2023, edition of Starr Chat show.
“They said administrative (issues), that is why I didn’t say they refused me,” he reaffirmed talk of having been denied a visa.
He also related a story about being kicked out of a digital rights conference after pro-gay activists objected to his attendance.
“I was invited to speak in Costa Rica at the Digital Rights Conference. The next thing, they (organizers) said they got petitions from around the world against me coming to speak. So, they wrote me and said don’t even respond to this email, we don’t want to have anything to do with you. I didn’t go, they should take their conference,” he added.
Sam George and Seven MPs Champion the Promotion of Proper Human Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, 2021, Commonly Referred to as the Anti-LGBT Bill”
The bill, currently under consideration in Parliament, is anticipated to be approved and forwarded to the president for assent before the Christmas break.
It has generated significant public debate, with a majority of Ghanaians expressing support despite facing strong opposition from certain quarters.