News:
October 12, 2011
The Member of Parliament for Mfantseman West, Aquinas Quansah has urged government not to be intimidated and legalize Homosexuality and Lesbianism for fear of losing budgetary support from Britain.
He said Ghana as a sovereign country must not allow itself to be dictated to by any country by virtue of that country’s economic superiority.
The MP’s comment follows a report that Ghana stands to lose a whopping amount of money if the country continues to suppress gay rights and not allow people the free will to practice the act.
Ghana receives a total of £36 million every year as budgetary support from Great Britain.
According to a Daily Mail report, the UK government has already taken steps against Malawi, cutting aid by $30 million after two homosexuals who held an engagement ceremony were sentenced to 14 months hard labor. And payments could be cut further to the southern African nation, which has received $312 since 2008, if it proceeds with plans to bring in tough anti-lesbian laws.
Uganda (due to receive $109 million this year) and Ghana (due $56 million) could also face sanctions if they refuse to drop antiquated anti-gay laws. The possibility that these countries will see their aid slashed seems increasingly likely as Uganda has plans to punish same-sex couples with the death penalty
However contributing to a panel discussion on e.tv Ghana on Wednesday, the Member of Parliament for Mfantseman West, Aquinas Quansah stated that Ghana must be resolute in its stand against legalization of Lesbianism and Homosexuality and call the bluff of Britain.
“This is something the government must be bold enough to resist, this abominable act is alien to our culture and values as Ghanaians and we must not encourage it just because we fear losing aid from Britain’’ he said.
He added that it would be unfair for Britain to hold some developing countries to ransom simply because those countries by their culture are not favorable to gays and lesbians.
Kwadwo Anim/ghanamps.gov.gh