Economics professor and dean of the University of Cape Coast Business School, Professor John Gatsi, has contended that LGBTQ issues were not a stipulation for Ghana when seeking the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) external credit facility support.

In response to the IMF's comments on the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, Gatsi sees these remarks as merely reflecting the organization's interests.

Despite the IMF emphasizing diversity and inclusion, Professor Gatsi believes Ghana's finance ministry is being used to pressure support for the bill's non-signing.

He highlighted that during negotiations with the IMF, LGBTQ concerns were not part of the conditions.

Mr Gatsi stressed that Ghana's financial dealings involve repayable loans, with parliamentary approval being the primary condition, which has already been met.

The finance ministry's report to President Akufo-Addo warned of potential financial losses, estimating over US$3.8 billion from World Bank financing.

Areas at risk include ongoing projects and negotiations, such as the First and Second Ghana Resilient Recovery Development Policy Operation and the Ghana Financial Stability Fund.

Additionally, the ministry fears consequences for Ghana's financial position, which heavily relies on IMF support following debt restructuring and access to foreign exchange.

As Ghana awaits the review and approval of the third tranche from the IMF, uncertainties persist regarding the impact of the anti-LGBTQ+ bill on these financial arrangements.

“Diversity and inclusion are values that the IMF embraces,” the Fund emphasised.