SIR – Diane Sheard’s response to my letter based on her experience in Ghana is emotive rather than factual (Letters, September 10).

Ghana’s defence budget is £162m and additionally this year the British government has facilitated an extremely questionable loan of £186m to improve the efficiency of Ghana’s armed forces.

This loan will have to be repaid by the Ghanian taxpayer when it could be used in conjunction with the benefits of what is Africa’s fastest-growing economy to accelerate the amelioration of the living standard of the 25% of the population whom she alleges live in extreme poverty.

What Ms Sheard does with her own money is her affair, but I do not wish to be forced to donate my charitable giving to foreign governments who do not share my priorities.

I therefore hope that the Bradford MPs have respected my wishes and rejected the International Development Bill.

John Pashley, Westcliffe Avenue, Baildon