President John Dramani Mahama has called on the IMF and World Bank to avoid interference in Ghana’s cultural policies, specifically regarding LGBTQ+ rights. He highlighted the need for these institutions to remain focused on economic issues and stressed the importance of stakeholder consultation for any new anti-LGBTQ legislation. Mahama advocates for education as a means of promoting family values rather than solely relying on legislation.
President John Dramani Mahama has urged multilateral institutions, such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), to refrain from intervening in Ghana’s domestic affairs, especially in relation to cultural issues like LGBTQ+ rights. In an interview with Bloomberg’s Next Africa, he stressed that these institutions should concentrate on their economic responsibilities instead of attempting to influence cultural norms within Ghana.
Mahama firmly asserted, “Multilateral institutions should avoid getting into cultural matters. This is a diverse world. We have different cultures.” His remarks came in response to concerns that the World Bank and IMF might withdraw financial support if Ghana were to enact contentious anti-LGBTQ+ legislation currently being considered in parliament.
When confronted with the possibility of financial repercussions should the bill pass, Mahama stated, “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.”
Ghana’s parliament is deliberating the revival of an anti-LGBTQ bill that previously lapsed due to legal challenges and lack of presidential approval. Mahama noted that while the legal issues were eventually resolved, the bill remained unsigned and thus expired. He called for more comprehensive stakeholder consultation on any forthcoming 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 remarked.
Furthermore, the President emphasized that fostering family values should prioritize education over mere legislative efforts. He stated, “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 Mahama’s remarks underscore the importance of maintaining cultural integrity in Ghanaian society while managing the expectations of international financial institutions. His emphasis on stakeholder engagement and the role of education in promoting family values further highlights a preference for dialogue over legislative action. By prioritizing these elements, Mahama advocates for an approach that respects Ghana’s diverse culture while addressing contemporary social issues.
Original Source: 3news.com
