The United States Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Evelyn Palmer, has expressed her disappointment following the passage of the Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill.

In a statement shared on social media on Thursday, February 29, Ambassador Palmer voiced her concern that the bill infringes upon the human rights of LGBTQ+ individuals in the country.

She emphasised that many of the most talented and intelligent individuals she knows are members of the LGBTQ+ community.

"I am saddened because some of the smartest, most creative, most decent people I know are LGBT. The bill Parliament passed takes away not only their basic human rights but those of all Ghanaians because it undermines their constitutional rights to freedom of speech, freedom of… https://t.co/DgCJ7qkpPl

— U.S. Embassy Ghana (@USEmbassyGhana) February 29, 2024

Ambassador Palmer warned that if President Akufo-Addo signs the bill into law, it could have negative repercussions on Ghana's international reputation and its economy.

She urged President Akufo-Addo to reject the bill and stand against its implementation.

"I am saddened because some of the smartest, most creative, most decent people I know are LGBT. The bill Parliament passed takes away not only their basic human rights but those of all Ghanaians because it undermines their constitutional rights to freedom of speech, freedom of assembly and freedom of the press."

"It will be bad for public order and public health. If enacted, it will also hurt Ghana’s international reputation and Ghana’s economy."

On Wednesday, February 28, after nearly three years of deliberation, Parliament finally passed the highly controversial Anti-LGBTQ+ bill.

Introduced in the House as a private members' bill, the legislation received unanimous approval following the completion of the third reading.

Under the provisions of the bill, individuals involved in prohibited activities may face imprisonment ranging from six months to three years, while sponsors and promoters could be sentenced to three to five years' imprisonment.