Few days back, The US ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer, has issued a warning concerning any law that will discriminate against the LGBTQ community while highlighting potential implications it will have for trade and investment in the country.
The Ambassador warned that the passage of the legislation could affect in the long run, foreign investor’s dealings with Ghana. Passing this legislation will send a wrong signal to investors she said.
Palmer while addressing the press said: “Lots of ethnic communities make Ghana strong, stable, and attractive for investments. I hope it stays that way with regard to the LGBTQ community.
“They should be managed to be made the color of the money green or red if it’s Ghanaian, but if there is discrimination, then that will send a signal not to only LGBTQ investors and exporters but to other American companies that Ghana is less welcoming than I am telling people that it is now…”
One of the major proponent of the anti-gay bill in Ghana Hon samuel George has made it clear that Ghana is open to investors who will cherish it’s cultural values.
George, the opposition MP for Ningo Prampram, reacting to her statement, described the comment of the US senior diplomat as surprising.
‘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 he said.
“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 lawmaker said.
