Minister for Tourism designate, Andrew Egyapa Mercer has indicated that the Anti-LGBTQI bill may have an impact on the tourism sector of the country if President Akufo-Addo assents to the bill.
Speaking at his vetting in parliament, the Minister designate said international tourists who oppose the bill may not find Ghana attractive anymore if the bill is assented to.
He said in spite of challenges associated with the bill as regards tourism, Ghana can still market its tourist sector to attract maximum returns.
“Ultimately, people want to experience our culture. it really should not matter whether we are opposed to a certain lifestyle in our cultural sector but it all comes down to how we promote Ghana and position ourselves within the law that is if his Excellency the President should assent to the bill.
Anti-gay bill: It cuts both ways, there will be some wins and losses – Egyapa Mercer (youtube.com)
“I still have not figured out an answer but 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 not an attractive place, some people who believe in our cultural may find Ghana an attractive place. It all comes down to how we market Ghana and what it is that we offer to the world. The least thing that we have that we are encouraging people to visit our country as oppose to others.
“If you promote domestic tourism that then helps you to deal with issues that may arise as a shortfall,” he said on Tuesday during his vetting.
The Anti-LGBTQI bill has been passed by Parliament, awaiting presidential assent.
Meanwhile, President Akufo-Addo has urged all stakeholders to await the outcome of the case that has been filed in the Supreme Court by a concerned citizen with regard to the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill passed by Parliament before any further action is taken.
The President said with this new development, it would be proper to wait for the ruling of the Supreme Court.
“… I have learnt that, today, a challenge has been mounted at the Supreme Court by a concerned citizen to the constitutionality of the proposed legislation. In the circumstances, it would be, as well, for all of us to hold our hands, and await the decision of the Court before any action is taken,” the President wrote in a statement posted on Facebook by Director of Communication at the presidency, Eugene Arhin on March 4.