The Minister for Tourism designate, Andrew Egyapa Mercer, says he believes the Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill (Anti-LGBTQ Bill) will affect tourism in Ghana if assented to by the President and passed into law.
Addressing Parliament’s vetting committee today Tuesday, March 5, Mr Mercer noted that while Ghana has its unique cultural identity, the enactment of the bill might discourage some individuals from visiting the country, thus affecting tourism.
However, he believes that tourism may not take that much of a big hit if the country promotes domestic tourism where citizens are encouraged to explore the country.
He stated that domestic tourism could diminish the potential downturn in international tourist arrivals.
“I mean our culture is our culture, ultimately. And so if people want to experience our culture, it really matters whether we are opposed to a certain lifestyle within our cultural setting. But it all comes down to how you promote Ghana and position ourselves within the law, that is if the President assents to it,” he said.
Hon. Agyapa Mercer added “All I can say is that it definitely will have an impact one way or the other. Some people who believe that lifestyle should be allowed everywhere may find Ghana unattractive. Some people who believe in our culture would find Ghana an attractive place.”
The Tourism Minister-nominated emphasised the importance of marketing Ghana both to its citizens and foreign tourists to sustain tourism growth.
“We are encouraging people to visit our country as opposed to others. If you promote domestic tourism, that will then help us to deal with whatever shortfalls or issues that may arise from some lack of interest because of this law,” Mercer added.
The honorable Member designate’s statement comes after Parliament passed the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, on Wednesday, February 28.
The bill punishes those who take part in LGBTQ sexual acts, as well as those who promote the rights of gay, lesbian or other non-conventional sexual or gender identities with time in prison.
Although a section of the public has welcomed the bill, others including CHRAJ have raised many concerns including discrimination against people and their freedoms as stated in the constitution.
