The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has called on the Nana Akufo-Addo led government to reject a promised $139 million worth of bilateral assistance to Ghana for the 2024 fiscal year if LGBTQ is a condition attached to the offer.
According to the Bishops’ the subject of LGBTQ is a delicate one that should not be toiled with.
Speaking in an interview with the media, President of the Conference, Most Rev. Mathew Gyamfi opined that it is essential that the people of Ghana know if accepting LGBTQ activities in the country is a condition attached to what has been termed a bilateral assistance.
He argues that Ghanaians should be the ones to decide on the matter.
“This is a very serious issue. It is at the gate of who we are as Ghanaians and nobody should toil with it with money. And if that should be case, let the government reject the money and tell the people, this is what they are saying. Should I take it? So that you do this or not and let the people decide,” Bishop Gyamfi said.
“This is not the first time. We have seen the European Union, the United States and these rich countries sometimes push down our throats certain reforms and certain things and they say if only you do these things, we would give you the money. I know the government have done that over and over and over and many Ghanaians know it. It is not only I who is saying it. So when it comes to something that makes a people, a people. That is their culture and tradition, then if you sell your birthright, culture and tradition, if you sell who you are for money, when you get the money who are you again?” he quizzed.
On Monday, US Vice President Kamala Harris announced that her country plans to provide $139 million worth of bilateral assistance to Ghana in fiscal 2024.
She also announced that the United States will intervene on Ghana’s behalf with the Paris Club as the country seeks debt forgiveness as part of the International Monetary Fund’s balance of payment support.
She stated that the US will provide Ghana with all the necessary support to help it overcome its current economic crisis. The Vice President also expressed support for Ghana’s commitment to reform its economy for sustainable and inclusive growth and welcomed the country’s engagement with the IMF.
“We welcome Ghana’s commitment to reform its economy for sustainable and inclusive growth. We support Ghana’s engagement with the IMF, and we will continue to push all bilateral creditors to provide meaningful debt reduction for countries that need it. It is critical to do so to build long-term economic growth and prosperity and to increase US investments. Our partnership is already strong, and I believe that today we have strengthened it,” she said.
