Same-sex marriage will never happen in Ghana - President Akufo-Addo
- Ghana’s president says same-sex marriages will never happen under his presidency
- President Akufo-Addo has come under pressure on matters of gay rights
- Ghana still does not have a definitive law that criminalizes homosexuality
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President Akufo-Addo has insisted and re-emphasized his stance on matters regarding gay rights in the country.
Speaking at the installation and enthronement program of the Anglican Archbishop at Mampong, the president stated (three times) that; “Same-sex marriages will never happen in Ghana”.
Even as the president makes his point known, advocates for gay rights insist he still has not spoken on the need for their rights to be respected against attacks and hate.
Source: Facebook
Offering asylum in the US
The newly elected US President, Joe Biden, has rolled out a resettlement visa to aid persons of vulnerable groups, like the LGBTQI facing discrimination in Ghana and Nigeria, to resettle in the USA.
Speaking from the Oval Office as he signed some executive orders, Joe Biden revealed that the Federal Government of the US will take all appropriate steps including increasing Embassy Priority-1 referrals to identify and sharply process the resettlement of highly vulnerable persons including LGBTQI+ who need protection from discrimination and violence.
By this, the US, according to the BBC, “has alerted cases of asylum seekers from LGBTQ communities so as to give them the need to resettle abroad.
The Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference has called on President Akufo Addo to declare Ghana’s official stance on homosexuality. The debate over the human rights of the LGBTQI community in Ghana has sparked much controversy as the Diplomatic community call for these rights to be respected.
In a public letter to the president, the Conference of Bishops warned the president of dire consequences should a national standpoint on the matter is not made known.
“We call upon the President of the Republic and Parliament to state unambiguously their position on the matter of homosexuality and its practice in Ghana. We also call on the Government of Ghana to close down the LGBTQI office space that was recently opened in Accra. Finally, we also urge the Executive and the Legislature never to be cowed down or to succumb to the pressure to legalize the rights of LGBTQIs in Ghana,” the letter stated.
In a related development
Ghanaian hip hop artiste Jason Gaisie known in the showbiz industry as Pappy Kojo has opened up on his sexual orientation. In an interview with Giovanni on TV3, the musician, when asked if he was dating “a certain Nelson”, replied in shock that he was gay.
Pappy Kojo’s response sparked laughter among the audience. The host, Giovanni, seemed shocked as he quizzed the Ghanaian hip hop artiste about his preferences. In response, Pappy Kojo responded that guys like actor John Dumelo are his preference.
“Yes, I'm a homosexual man. Why do you hate gay men?,” he asked Giovani. Already, social media is responding to Pappy Kojo’s revelation. This comes amid a heated national debate over the legalization of same-sex relationships in the country.
Opening of LGBTQ office in Accra
Even though Ghana’s criminal code stipulates that Carnal Knowledge is criminal with up to 5 years imprisonment, many human right groups including Amnesty International say the “Colonial laws against homosexuality” must be repealed.
It all happened with the Australian Ambassador to Ghana, the European Union in Ghana and other diplomats officially opened the office of LGBTQIs in Accra.
This action has caused an uproar from religious groups and anti-gay crusaders who are pressuring president Akufo-Addo to declare the country’s stance on the matter once and for all.
Meanwhile, the Minister-designate for Children and Social Protection, Adwoa Sarfo, says “homosexuality is non-negotiable” in Ghana. Taking her turn at the Parliament Appointment Committee, the minister-designate explained that her stance on the sensitive issue will be guided by Ghana’s criminal code which penalizes Carnal Knowledge.
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Source: YEN.com.gh
