Prof Gatsi emphasizes contractual basis of Ghana’s relations with World Bank, IMF amid anti-LGBTQ Bill controversy
Professor John Gatsi, Dean of the School of Business at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), has emphasized the contractual nature of Ghana’s relationships with international organizations such as the IMF and World Bank shedding light on the Finance Ministry’s potential role in navigating the country’s norms and laws.
Against the backdrop of the Finance Ministry’s apprehensions regarding the Anti-LGBTQ bill’s approval and its potential impact on financial support from entities like the World Bank and IMF, Professor Gatsi contends that contractual engagements offer a platform for dialogue on contentious issues.
In a statement released on March 4, the Finance Ministry urged President Akufo-Addo to exercise caution in signing the bill into law, citing potential disruptions to funding, including a pending US$300 million disbursement from the First Ghana Resilient Recovery Development Policy Operation by the World Bank.
Speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show, however, Prof. Gatsi underscored the importance of upholding Ghana’s cultural values while acknowledging the need to protect LGBTQ interests. He advocated for constructive engagement within the contractual framework of international agreements.
“Why are we dealing with the World Bank? We are dealing with the World Bank based on a contract. It is as simple as that. If their interest is to the effect that they do not like certain issues regarding LGBTQ, those things can be discussed.
“I keep saying that the protection of the interests of this group of people is very important, but that does not mean that the structure that is put in place to keep the value system of Ghanaians should not be respected,” he remarked.
Prof Gatsi highlighted international conventions prohibiting discrimination in loan disbursement, calling for impartial funding allocation based on a country’s eligibility criteria, regardless of its stance on LGBTQ issues. He stressed the importance of dialogue over coercion in addressing such matters.
“I think that there should be a forum to discuss these things in a humane manner, not forcefully or using them as weapons against nations. That is the point I am making,” he stressed.
Parliament’s recent approval of the bill criminalizing LGBTQ activity has drawn criticism, including from Virginia Evelyn Palmer, the US Ambassador to Ghana. The legislation imposes penalties ranging from six months to five years for individuals engaged in or promoting LGBTQ-related activities.
