The Dean of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) Business School, Professor John Gatsi says some demands made by international donors and organisations do not align with African values and culture.

According to him, the relationship between African governments and these international organisations like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank must be limited to business and partnerships.

Speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show on March 5, 2024, Professor Gatsi argued that there is a need for international organisations to better understand and respect the values and systems of African countries.

“That is the way we can work together. They need us, we need them. That is the situation,” he said.

The comment by the Professor comes on the back of concerns raised by the Ministry of Finance following the approval of the Anti-LGBTQ bill by Parliament.

In a statement released on March 4, the Ministry of Finance had urged President Akufo-Addo to refrain from signing the passed Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill into law.

The Finance Ministry cautioned that such action could lead to severe repercussions on the country's financial support from international organisations like the Bretton Woods Institutions, IMF.

The statement highlighted concerns that the expected US$300 million financing from the First Ghana Resilient Recovery Development Policy Operation (Budget Support), currently awaiting Parliamentary approval, might not be disbursed if the bill is signed into law.

Additionally, ongoing negotiations on the Second Ghana Resilient Recovery Development Policy Operation (Budget Support), amounting to US$300 million, could be suspended.

But Professor Gatsi is of the view that Ghana and its leaders need to stand firm when it comes to the values that society hold dear.

He therefore urged the international bodies to accept and respect decisions made by African country without issuing threats and directives.

“I will not say they are hypocritical at this point. All I will say is that, some of their thinking does not reflect our society and we are reminded to protect our society. That is the difference and they need to get to that point to accept what we are doing.”