See The List Of 9 Ghanaian Top Officials To Be Sanctioned By US If Anti-LGBTQI Law Is Passed

As Ghana gets ready to lay and pass the Anti LGBTQI Bill into law, a list of government officials risk being sanctioned by The United States government.

The Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill 2021, also known as the anti-LGBTQI+ Bill, is set to be laid before parliament after a review by the Parliamentary Select Committee on Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs.

The Bill prescribes that people of the same sex who engage in sexual activity could spend up to 10 years in jail.

Already the US Embassy in Ghana updated its travel advisory to Level 2, advising travellers to “Exercise Increased Caution” due to emerging threats against LGBTQI+ individuals in Ghana.

On top of the list of people like to face sanctions will be Speaker of Parliament Alban S.K Bagbin who may have noticed his Ugandan counterpart’s situation with the US after passing a similar law.

Mr Bagbin has said he would never partake in any task that seeks to legalise the activities of LGBTQ people in Ghana saying he will rather die first.

“For you all to participate in it, count me out of Ghana because I will prefer to join my maker than to live.

“That is me, I am a Catholic and I will not do anything that will end the world because God says the world is eternal until he comes back we cannot do that to end the world,” he sai

Sam George the Crusader

The Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram Samuel Nartey George is a proponent of the bill and has already been targeted by EU countries for sanctions.

Sam George earlier claimed that his anti-lgbtqi advocacy has resulted in his unfair placement on a money laundering list, making it difficult for him to conduct financial transactions when travelling abroad.

Sam George shared examples of his experiences, such as being unable to open a bank account at a university in the UK due to blacklisting.

He also mentioned instances where he couldn’t exchange currency in different countries because his name appeared on the list. Additionally, he discussed the challenges he faces when travelling with his diplomatic passport, recounting incidents of being pulled aside and subjected to extensive searches.

Other MPs to be sanctioned

At least seven other lawmakers could be sanctioned over the bill.

In addition to Sam George, there are seven other members of Ghana’s Parliament who jointly submitted the private bill to push for the criminalization of LGBTQI+ activities in Ghana.

These seven MPs, Sam George together with the Speaker could face the sanctions.

The Seven MPs include Emmanuel Bedzrah (MP, Ho West) and Della Adjoa Sowah (MP, Kpando).

The rest include John Ntim Fordjour (MP, Assin South) and Deputy Education Minister; Alhassan Sayibu Suhuyini (MP, Tamale North), Helen Adjoa Ntoso (MP, Krachi West), Rita Naa Odoley Sowah (MP, La Dadekotopon) and Rockson Nelson Dafeamekpor (MP, South Dayi).

US Global LGBTQI Alert on Ghana

The US Embassy Ghana The alert issued on November 20, 2023, highlighting concerns about crime and violence directed at members of the LGBTQI+ community in Ghana.

The advisory specifically outlines areas with increased risks, including parts of the Bono East, Bono, Savannah, Northern, North East, and Upper East regions, citing civil unrest.

The embassy warns of violent crimes such as carjacking and street mugging, emphasizing that these incidents often occur at night and in isolated locations.

The alert said violent crimes are a concern, and travellers should exercise increased caution, especially in urban areas, crowded markets, and when travelling after dark, where criminal elements may use blockades to restrict movement. Areas near the northern border in the Upper East and Upper West regions are highlighted for heightened caution due to security issues.

The advisory also noted that the U.S. government may have limited ability to provide emergency services to US citizens in Ghana, as local police may lack the resources to respond effectively to serious crimes.

The alert addressed the challenges faced by LGBTQI+ travellers in Ghana, citing prohibitions in Ghanaian law on “unlawful carnal knowledge” between persons of the same sex. Punishments for such activities can include fines and incarceration.

The advisory highlights the increase in anti-LGBTQI+ rhetoric and violence in recent years, with reported incidents of targeted assaults, rape, mob attacks, and harassment.

The embassy encourages travellers to visit their LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and review the Human Rights Report for additional details. It also urges enrollment in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for emergency alerts and advises a review of the Country Security Report for Ghana. Travellers are recommended to prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations and follow the Department of State on social media for updates.