Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Kristalina Georgieva, has emphasized the significance of inclusive society, particularly in response to Ghana’s Parliament passing the anti-LGBTQ bill.
Speaking on the Point of View with Bernard Avle on Monday, March 18, she voiced support for a community that embraces all irrespective of their sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, while insisting that greater inclusivity contributes to a nation’s overall success.
“I understand that people in Ghana have taken the bill to the court. All I can say is that a more inclusive society is a more successful society. You want Ghana to flourish, make it so that everybody can contribute to the fullest of this country.”
On Wednesday, February 28, Parliament unanimously passed the anti-LGBTQ+ bill after completing the third reading. The bill has been a subject of intense debate and discussion since its introduction to the legislature three years ago.
Proponents argue that it is necessary to uphold cultural and religious values, while opponents argue that certain provisions violate human rights and promote discrimination.
Since its passage, many opponents have expressed their displeasure, with some civil society groups threatening legal action should President Akufo-Addo assent to the bill for it to become law.
President Akufo-Addo has withheld his accent as the constitutionality of the bill is being contested at the Supreme Court.
On the show, the IMF boss attributed Ghana’s recent economic challenges to a combination of factors, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and fiscal imprudence during the 2020 election period.
Georgieva emphasized the importance of drawing lessons from past experiences and applying them to future policy-making.
She underscored the effectiveness of robust macroeconomic and financial governance in navigating economic uncertainties.
Georgieva stressed the necessity of implementing strong fiscal and monetary strategies capable of withstanding global financial pressures and fostering sustainable growth.
“The best avenue to pursue that is to get your policies in good order, get your institutions to deliver transparently for the economy for people. Nothing is more effective than strong macroeconomic and financial performance in a country.
“We have seen in Ghana, yes it was the COVID-19 shock that brought so much hardship on people. But it was also the excessive spending during the general elections period. Learn lessons from the past, apply for the future,” she quoted by Citinewsroom.com to have said.
Do we want to return Ghana to Colonialism???