President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana has said an anti-LGBTQ bill passed by Ghana's parliament last week, which could derail international aid for the West African country if it becomes law according to an internal government memo, has not yet reached his desk, Reuters reported.
The law imposes a prison sentence of up to three years for anyone convicted of identifying as LGBTQ+ and also imposes a maximum five-year jail term for forming or funding LGBTQ+ groups.
Before it takes effect, President Nana Akufo-Addo, set to step down after elections on December 7, must sign the bill into law.
However, the President has said that Ghana is steadfast in maintaining its human rights record and mentioned that the bill had faced legal challenges in the Supreme Court.
"I have learnt that today, a challenge has been mounted at the Supreme Court," Akufo-Addo said in a statement. "In the circumstances, it would be as well for all of us to hold our hands and await the decision of the Court before any action is taken."
The approval of the bill coincides with Ghana's efforts to recover from a severe economic crisis and debt default. The country sought a $3 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund, along with financing from the World Bank.
If enacted into law, the bill has the potential to result in a loss of $3.8 billion in World Bank financing over the next five to six years, thereby jeopardizing a $3 billion IMF loan package, as indicated by the finance ministry.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said it is closely monitoring events in Ghana.
According to the IMF, diversity and inclusion are values it embraces. "Our internal policies prohibit discrimination based on personal characteristics, including but not limited to gender, gender expression, or sexual orientation. Like institutions, diverse and inclusive economies flourish," the Washington-based lender said.
The United States has also said it is "deeply troubled" by the proposed legislation and urged a review of the "constitutionality of the bill."
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