Anti-Gay Bill Will Not Affect Foreign Aid and Investor Relations, Sam George Assures

Samuel Nartey George, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ningo Prampram, has stated that the passing of the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill will not have an adverse impact on foreign aid or investor relations with Western countries.

During an interview on Amammere ne Amanie with Kwaku Frimpong on July 8, he emphasized that financial transactions are business-related, and if borrowing comes with interest payments, it ultimately benefits the lenders.

“It is business, when we borrow we pay interest so it’s for their benefit. So if you are a business man that won’t invest in Ghana because of this, how is this your concern?”

George pointed out that when Ghanaians travel to other countries, they abide by their laws and regulations.

He used the example of polygamy, stating that in certain countries, individuals with multiple spouses cannot openly declare their marital status due to local laws.

He stressed that Ghana has made it clear it does not support LGBTQ+ activities and called for respect from other nations. He questioned why certain countries, such as the United States, did not intervene in Saudi Arabia’s stance on LGBTQ+ rights or demand that Qatar accept such practices despite having business relations with them.

“We have agreed we are not in support of LGBTQ+ activities so they should respect it. I always ask why Americans didn’t go to Saudi Arabia to tell them same. Americans have businesses with Qatar so why are they not telling them to accept LGBTQ+ activities too,” he said. 

He believes that unity among Ghanaians is crucial to maintaining the country’s values and identity.

Regarding comments made by Ursula Owusu, Minister for Communications and Digitalization, suggesting that LGBTQ+ activities may become acceptable in Ghana in the future, George asserted that the Anti-Gay Bill recently adopted by Parliament is permanent.

He argued that by instilling the right cultural values in children and future generations, Ghana can preserve its culture and identity. He considered Ursula’s statement to be her personal opinion.

“The Law is forever because we know how we train our children. Culture will be passed on from generation to generation if we do the right thing. Any group of people who lose their culture lose their identity.”

On July 5, Parliament unanimously adopted the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill (Anti-Gay Bill), 2022. The bill aims to uphold Ghanaian family values and prohibit activities associated with LGBTQ+ individuals. It will now proceed to the consideration stage.

Story by Adwoa S. Danso