Mahama cautions IMF, World Bank against interfering in Ghana’s cultural policies

President John Dramani Mahama has urged multilateral institutions such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to refrain from influencing Ghana’s domestic policies, particularly on cultural and social issues like LGBTQ+ rights.

In an interview with Bloomberg’s Next Africa, Mahama emphasized that these institutions should focus on their economic mandates rather than imposing cultural values on Ghana.

His remarks follow concerns that financial aid could be withheld if Ghana revives the controversial anti-LGBTQ+ bill.

“If they decide to pull [funding], well, it’s their prerogative,” Mahama stated, stressing that cultural matters should not be dictated by external financial bodies.

He further noted that while family values are important, they should be upheld through education rather than solely through legislation.

He called for broader stakeholder consultation on any potential new version of the bill to ensure inclusivity in decision-making.