President Mahama Urges IMF and World Bank to Stay Out of Ghana’s LGBTQ Debate

President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana has warned the World Bank and IMF against interfering in Ghana’s cultural issues, particularly related to LGBTQ+ rights. He believes that these institutions should focus on their economic mandates. Mahama calls for greater stakeholder consultation regarding any potential anti-LGBTQ+ bill and stresses the need for education to promote family values.

Former President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana has urged international financial institutions such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to refrain from interfering in Ghana’s domestic debates, especially regarding LGBTQ+ rights. In an interview with Bloomberg’s Next Africa, he emphasized that these organizations should concentrate on their economic roles, avoiding cultural imposition on Ghana.

President Mahama expressed his views clearly, stating, “Multilateral institutions should avoid getting into cultural matters. This is a diverse world. We have different cultures.” His remarks surfaced amidst rising concerns that the World Bank and IMF might retract financial support if Ghana proceeds with its controversial anti-LGBTQ+ legislation.

When questioned about the implications of funding withdrawal, Mahama asserted, “If they decide to pull [funding], well, it’s their prerogative. But I don’t believe that multilateral institutions like the World Bank and IMF should include in their mandates how people behave culturally.” Currently, the Ghanaian parliament is considering reviving a lapsed anti-LGBTQ bill that previously faced legal challenges.

Mahama suggested that there needs to be enhanced stakeholder engagement regarding any new legislation. “What we need is more stakeholder consultation to look at whatever new bill will come and make sure that we carry everybody on board,” he stated. He further argued that ensuring family values should prioritize education over mere legislation.

He concluded, “Proper family values are something we all are interested in, but it’s not only in the bills that we send to parliament to regulate them; it’s also about teaching our children those family values as they grow.”

In conclusion, President John Dramani Mahama has firmly asserted that multilateral institutions should refrain from meddling in Ghana’s cultural debates, such as LGBTQ+ rights. He advocates for stakeholder consultation in legislative processes and emphasizes the importance of education in instilling family values, rather than relying solely on legal frameworks. Mahama’s stance reflects a commitment to Ghana’s sovereignty and cultural integrity.

Original Source: 3news.com