The Member of Parliament (MP) for Ningo-Prampram, Sam Nartey George, has responded to the 'threat' from the United States government regarding Ghana's Promotion of Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill (anti-LGBT+ bill).

In an interview with Nigeria-based News Central TV on March 3, 2024, Sam George accused the US government of hypocrisy, pointing out that they freely trade with Arab countries like Qatar, where engaging in homosexual activities is punishable by death.

He emphasized Ghana's independence and the liberty to enact laws that govern its people, asserting that American businesses operating in Ghana are there for profit, not solely due to LGBTQ issues.

Sam George stated, "Ghana is not the 51st state of the United States. Tell the American people. You either do business with us on our terms, or you can walk.

“American businesses that operate in Ghana are not in Ghana because of LGBTQ. They're in Ghana because they make a profit. If you think that because we are protecting our cultural values and saying no to LGBTQ, you want to lose $100 million in profit, pack up and go,” Sam George said.

He added, “Africa must begin to assert our rights. We are not puppets and stooges of the West. And it's just the sheer hypocrisy of America and the West. Qatar buys a billion dollars of military hardware every year from America. The punishment for homosexuality in Qatar is death… the maximum in Ghana's law is just three years.”

Regarding the passage of the anti-gay bill, Ghana's Parliament passed the Promotion of Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill on February 28, 2024.

The bill, awaiting presidential assent, criminalizes and proscribes LGBT activities, along with their promotion, advocacy, and funding. Offenders face jail terms, with the bill requiring presidential assent within seven days or parliamentary approval by a two-thirds majority if rejected.

The US government responded by threatening serious consequences if the bill becomes law. Matthew Miller, a spokesperson for the United States State Department, stated that the US administration is in discussions with Ghana to prevent the bill's passage.

He warned that the bill could lead to sanctions similar to those imposed on Uganda, which passed an anti-gay law in 2023.

The US government supports Ghana with aid, and Miller emphasized potential ramifications on US assistance, affecting areas such as agriculture, malaria prevention, HIV/AIDS control, and military assistance.

In a statement, Miller argued that Ghana's anti-LGBT+ bill violates the rights of its citizens, damages its international reputation, and jeopardizes economic agreements.