Charities and advocacy groups are urging World Bank and IMF to intervene as Ghana considers a law that could imprison LGBTQ+ individuals for up to three years.
The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund are facing calls to leverage their financial influence to dissuade Ghana from enacting a proposed law that could result in imprisonment for individuals identifying as LGBTQ+.
Advocacy groups are urging these global financial institutions to warn Ghana of potential funding withdrawal if the controversial legislation, set to be challenged in the country’s supreme court, is enforced.
Dubbed the “promotion of proper human sexual rights and Ghanaian family values” bill, the legislation proposes jail terms of up to three years for those identifying as gay, five years for advocates of LGBTQ+ rights, and an extension of the prison term for same-sex activity from three to five years.
Elana Berger, executive director of the Bank Information Center, emphasized the World Bank’s unique position to influence Ghana’s decision, highlighting the risk of losing its pledged $3.8bn funding.
“We advocate for morally sound and inclusive practices,” Berger stated. “Funding a nation adopting such discriminatory laws would exacerbate the marginalization of LGBTQ+ individuals.
The Ghanaian parliament’s approval of the bill despite the funding threat indicates a prioritization of harming LGBTQ+ rights over economic development.
“Ghana’s finance ministry cautioned against the potential loss of $3.8bn in World Bank financing over the next few years if the law is enacted.
This could jeopardize a $3bn IMF bailout program and efforts to manage the country’s $20bn debt, leading to market instability and exchange rate fluctuations, according to a leaked memo.
The World Bank’s decision to suspend funding to Uganda following its enactment of anti-LGBTQ legislation last year underscores the institution’s commitment to its values, denouncing laws that contradict its principles.
Source: The Guardian
