Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo said on Tuesday he would wait for action on an anti-LGBTQ bill passed by parliament last week, saying in a statement that the measure was being challenged in the Supreme Court.

“Before taking any action, it would be best for all of us to clasp our hands and wait for the court’s decision,” he was quoted as saying.

He said a citizen challenged the constitutionality of the bill.

Akufo-Addo said Ghana would not go backwards on its human rights record as many people expressed concerns about the measure.

Same-sex sex is illegal in Ghana and is punishable by three years in prison. The bill would further criminalize the LGBTQ community, with penalties of at least 10 years in prison for members of the group who publicly express feelings or promote and fund LGBTQ activities.

Opponents of the bill worry about declining human rights and reduced international aid from organizations such as the World Bank.

Larissa Kojue, a researcher at Human Rights Watch, said the bill “is inconsistent with Ghana’s long tradition of peace, tolerance, and hospitality and violates the country’s international human rights obligations.”

The rights group urged the president to refuse to sign the bill passed by parliament on February 28.

The United States said it was “deeply troubled” by the bill. It also urged Ghana to review “the constitutionality of the bill”.

Supporters argue that its purpose is to protect children and those who have suffered abuse.

Ghana’s Finance Ministry said in an internal document that the bill, if it becomes law, could put at risk $3.8 billion in financing the West African country has received from the World Bank over the next few years, Reuters reported.

The Treasury document contains recommendations to the president and summarizes the findings of senior officials’ deliberations. The report said the loss of World Bank funding could affect the stability of exchange rates and foreign exchange reserves.

The impact could also “derail” IMF programs, which would have “dire consequences,” the statement added.[s] On debt restructuring activities and Ghana’s long-term debt stability. ”

It recommended Ghana approach conservative countries such as China or other Arab countries to secure funding, Reuters reported.

Ghana is currently recovering from its worst recession in decades.

The World Bank has yet to respond, but said in 2023 that it would not consider new funding for Uganda after anti-LGBTQ legislation was passed.

The IMF said it could not respond to a bill that has not yet become law.

Other organizations and stakeholders have also expressed concerns as the Supreme Court considers challenges to the bill.

This report contains information from The Associated Press and Reuters.