Ghana's LGBTQ+ criminalization bill, awaiting President Akufo-Addo's (ah-Koo-foh ah-doh) signature, triggers domestic and international concern. The legislation, passing with bipartisan support, proposes prison terms of up to three years for LGBTQ+ individuals and five years for those backing LGBTQ+ groups. The financial repercussions of passing the law are large. Reports from Ghana's finance ministry suggest that the proposed bill may result in a loss of $3.8 billion in World Bank funding over the next five to six years. Additionally, it can jeopardize a $3 billion loan package from the International Monetary Fund. The potential fallout could severely impact debt restructuring efforts and the country's long-term financial stability. Ghana faces an estimated loss of $850 million in the current year alone, exacerbating an ongoing economic crisis for which the country requested an IMF bailout last year. The bill also risks alienating foreign investment and tourism, prompting caution from the U.S. State Department. Addressing diplomatic unease, President Akufo-Addo (ah-Koo-foh ah-doh) assures commitment to human rights and awaits a Supreme Court ruling on the matter. However, the upcoming presidential election in December marks the end of Akufo-Addo's (ah-Koo-foh ah-doh) two-term presidency, and the Supreme Court is unlikely to issue a decision before the new president is elected. It appears that the LGBTQ+ community in Ghana will have to face sleepless nights for at least a few months more. #Queer Up The World View