Days after the passage of Ghana’s anti-LGBTQ+ Bill by Parliament, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has indicated that its internal policies frown on discrimination against personal characteristics such as gender expression, or sexual orientation.
As several groups condemn this bill, the IMF, in a statement copied to Bloomberg, also revealed that its policies detest discrimination and that it is closely monitoring the situation in Ghana.
In a statement released by the IMF, it indicated that “Diversity and inclusion are values that the IMF 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 bill passed on February 28, 2024, not only criminalizes LGBTQ+ engagements but also proscribes their propagation, advocacy, and financial support.
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Convicted persons may encounter imprisonment for periods spanning 6 months to 3 years, while those facilitating and endorsing such actions could face imprisonment ranging from 3 to 5 years.
Amnesty International-Ghana, a group that supports human rights, however, disagrees with sending people to jail for being LGBTQ+ in Ghana. Genevieve Partington, who leads Amnesty International Ghana, has taken a firm stance that being gay shouldn’t be a reason to go to prison.
On the other hand, the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC) has asked President Akufo Addo to assent to the Bill. They believe it will support the important values of the Ghanaian people.