Member of Parliament representing Ningo-Prampram, Sam Nartey George, has quashed concerns raised by US Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer, regarding the enactment of Ghana’s Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill (commonly known as the anti-LGBTQI bill).
During the US-Ghana Business Expo held in Accra on August 10, 2023, Ambassador Palmer cautioned that any form of discrimination against LGBTQ individuals could convey an unfavorable message to American investors at large, and therefore, should be avoided.
“Ghana is a very welcoming, tolerant society, lots of interreligious, interethnic harmony, and that is what makes Ghana strong, stable, and attractive for investment. I hope it stays that way with regards to the LGBT community.
“And again, there is money to be made if the colour of your money is green or red; it is Ghanaian, but if there is discrimination or worse, then that will send a signal to not just LGBT investors but other American investors that Ghana is less welcoming than I am telling people that it is now. So, I hope it will stay welcoming,” she told journalists.
But reacting to her comment, Sam Nartey George noted that there is very little likelihood for that happening as businesses continue to thrive in the US despite the implementation of anti-LGBTQ laws in some states.
“I am confident it should not be a worry as our intended legislation is NOT different from American laws in states like Florida and Kentucky. I believe the US Supreme Court agrees largely with Ghana’s position,” he wrote.
He also expressed disappointment in the US ambassador for suggesting that values play no role in business investment by investors.
“You have expressed fears that investors from the US would not find Ghana attractive if we as Ghanaians uphold our values and reject the depravity of LGBTQI. I find that really surprising.
“Are American investors looking to invest in a country and with partners who have no values? 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?” the MP quizzed.
View Sam George’s full post below:
Dear Virginia Palmer, US Ambassador to Ghana, I have seen videos of your comments at the US-Ghana Business Summit.
You have expressed fears that investors from the US would not find Ghana attractive if we as Ghanaians uphold our values and reject the depravity of LGBTQI. I find that really surprising.
Are American investors looking to invest in a Country and with partners who have no values? 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?
Let me reassure you and the U.S. Embassy Ghana 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.
I am confident it should not be a worry as our intended legislation is NOT different from American laws in states like Florida and Kentucky. I believe the US Supreme Court agrees largely with Ghana’s position.
Cheers to a mutually beneficial business relationship between Ghana and the US.