In light of Ghana's impending anti-gay legislation, Michael Augustus Akagbor, a senior programs officer for human rights and social inclusion at the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), has cast doubt on the country's ability to negotiate on an international level. During his Tuesday appearance on JoyNews' PM Express, he elaborated on why Ghana must first evaluate its worldwide standing and influence before moving on with specific plans.
Following remarks by US Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer, who warned that the country's economy would take a major hit if the LGBTQ+ ban were to pass, he decided to speak out. On the other hand, those who support the Ghanaian Family Values Bill and the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights have brought attention to the hypocrisy of the US government by pointing out that the US continues to trade with Saudi Arabia despite the country's harsh legislation against LGBTQ+ people.
In response, Mr. Akagbor emphasized the significant difference between Saudi Arabia and Ghana. "The entire world will feel the pinch," he claimed, citing Saudi Arabia as an example if the kingdom decides today to reduce its oil production. Questioning whether it would be possible to do the same in Ghana, he asked.
Drawing attention to the economic damage that Uganda endured after passing one of the strongest anti-gay laws in recent times, the Programs Officer further advised against misleading comparisons. We anticipate another $800 million in funding for both 2019 and 2025 from the African Growth and Opportunity Act, which provided $800 million last year. As a result, he predicted that the AGOA transaction would be a financial disaster, with a loss of $1.6 billion.
He brought attention to how the theocratic system in Saudi Arabia differs from the democratic system in Ghana. He thinks this differentiation is quite important when comparing how different countries handle their affairs and participate in global debates. Even if the United States chooses to terminate ties with Ghana following the measure's passing into law, the country would suffer no harm, according to Ningo-Prampram MP and anti-LGBTQ bill champion Sam George. He maintained that the United States stood to lose more ground in any trade dispute with Ghana because of the advantages enjoyed by the former country.
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