The general overseer and founder of Life Assembly Worship Centre, Osofo Kyiri Abosom, has sparked LGBTQ+ controversy.
Reverend Christian Kwabena Andrews did not mince words to say those who engage in lesbianism and gay are “mad.”
According to the pastor, the purpose of sexual intercourse is to procreate and anything devoid of that is madness.
He explained that, two people having an affair that cannot bring forth an offspring therefore, is akin to two mentally derailed persons who indulge in sexual activity, lacking the wisdom to make babies out of it.
The third wave of discussion on the LGBTQ matter under the Akufo-Addo-led administration has stirred controversies just like the previous two due to comments coming from some duty bearers on whose shoulders the passage or otherwise of the bill that will bare the act in Ghana lie.
President Akufo-Addo for instance was not clear whether the nation is for the act or against it when US Vice President Kamala Harris visited and the issue popped up in their addresses to the state.
During Madam Harris’ visit, President Akufo-Addo said among others that: “But in the meantime, Parliament is dealing with it and I have no doubt that the Parliament of Ghana will ensure as is done, first of all the sensitivity to human rights issues as well as to the feelings of our population and will come out with a responsible response.
Paramount Chief (Omanhene) of Gomoa Ajumako Traditional Area, Obrempong Nyanful Krampah XI, has joined scores kicking against same-sex marriage or relations in the country.
He said any other foreign cultural practice that is inimical to Ghanaian cultural values should be rejected.
“Such cultures are alien to Africans and we, Nananom as custodians of the land will not support those practices which are completely against our traditions.
“We will therefore encourage our parliamentarians to pass the LGBTQ+ Bill pending before the House into law.
“I know the stiffer punishment as contained in the bill would deter people who want to engage in such illicit acts and behaviour to bring sanity in the society,” the Omanhene said.
Obrempong Krampah made the remarks while interacting with chiefs, heads of clan, kingmakers and government officials at the funeral of the late Nana Afadzi Mensah VI, Chief of Gomoa Aboso in the Gomoa Central District of the Central region.
The Omanhene said sanctions in the bill, if passed would send a message to the whole world that Ghana was an independent country and could manage its own affairs, including “our way of life and cultural beliefs.”
He said all those who claimed to be human rights advocates could move out of the country into other countries to practice whatever they believe.
He called on traditional authorities and other stakeholders to stand firmly against the alien culture to safeguard the customs and traditions of the land.
Obrempong Krampah said, “We cannot sit down unconcerned while the youth who are our future leaders are pushed to engage in foreign cultures and practices contrary to our tradition.”
He condemned some of the practices of the youth who were copying blindly, saying, “All of these have come about because we go with cup-in-hand to borrow money for developmental projects and programmes.”
The Omanhene said the independence of the country must empower Ghanaians to wean themselves from the colonial rulers, adding that Ghana beyond aid must work for the betterment of the citizenry.
He urged traditional rulers to initiate self-help projects in their communities through contributions from both residents at home and abroad to stop contracting foreign loans for infrastructural development.
He called on chiefs to involve the youth in day-to-day activities as a way of preparing them for responsible leadership while inculcating in them the true culture and tradition to enable them to embrace their own heritage.
Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu II, the Chief of Dormaa, has revealed that he will only accept same-sex relationship on one condition – that the couple is able to reproduce.
Speaking at a gathering in Dormaa, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu II noted that if he had his way, he would allow members of the LGBTQ community to have their way in the interim.
However, they would be required to provide a baby a year after marriage. According to him, failure to do so will lead to their extinction.
“I’ve said this before, if not for President Akufo-Addo, I’d have suggested that we give gays the opportunity to get married and provide a baby in a year. But if they do not give birth, I will kill you,” he said.
In view of the fact that the pairing; man-man and woman-woman can not biologically procreate, he quizzed “How will you give birth? Isn’t it pampers that you will put on?”.
Meanwhile, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu II has cautioned government to make its stance clear on the LGBTQ conversation. He noted that the Ghanaian culture frowns upon same-sex relationship, hence would see to its criminalisation.
He also advised the western world to desist from imposing their ideologies on Africa.
”We want to send a clear message to our foreign partners that we will not tolerate this heinous act,” he said.
The Dormaahene, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu II, has vowed to remove any president or leader in Ghana who says LGBTQI+ activities should be legalised in the country.
Agyemang Badu II said that even though the laws of Ghana forbid chiefs from engaging in active politics, he will ignore this law and start doing politics to remove any political leader who says Ghana should accept LGBT.
The chief, who made these remarks while addressing a gathering in Dormaa, in a video shared by Abranpredease TV on Wednesday, vowed to ensure that all Members of Parliament (MPs) who vote against the approval of the anti-LGBTQI bill being considered by the House, are removed.
He added that Ghanaians do not accept LGBTQI activities, and the people they elect to represent them cannot force them to accept it.
“We the chiefs do not accept it, our pastors don’t accept it, traditionalists don’t accept it, Muslims also don’t accept it. This (the issue of LGBTI) is none negotiable. You are representing us; we gave you that power and we are saying we don’t want this, how can you go and say a different thing?
“If the president, the vice or any leader in Ghana says he accepts LGBT, even though the laws of Ghana bars chiefs from engaging in active politics, I, Agyemang Badu II, will do politics and organise people to where you are and remove you from your seat.
“And I am saying here today that all the MPs who are in my territories if you vote that a man and a man can have sex as well as a woman and another woman, I will make sure you are removed. Even if you are not in any of my territories, I will work with your chief and we will campaign against you to make sure you are removed,” he said in Twi.
Meanwhile, Parliament is expected to debate and pass the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, 2021 (Anti-LGBTQI bill).
This is after the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee of Parliament presented the final draft of the, which was sponsored by a group of bi-partisan Members of Parliament led by Ningo Prampram MP Sam Nartey George, to the plenary.
If the bill is passed, persons who engage in anti-LGBTQI activities as well as those who advocate for the acceptance of these activities in Ghana are likely to be punished.
Son of Ghana’s first President, Sekou Nkrumah, has waded into the LGBTQ+ conversation. He says the United States of America should not push their position on Ghana and other countries since we have different cultures and believes.
He further averred that not everyone in the United States accepts same-sex relationships despite it being legal.
Sekou Nkrumah speaking on the raging LGBTQ+ debate said like Ghana, the US had a strong conservative base and a religious population that did not believe in same-sex relations.
He added, however, that the liberals are those championing and advocating for such rights.
“Not everyone in America accepts homosexuality, and also America has a large conservative and religious population, but at the same time there are also many liberals who keep or maintain the balance in the society! And I think that is a good thing,” his post of April 2, 2023 read in part.
Sekou also asked the US to stop pushing the narrative that LGBTQ+ is a human rights issue because that will not be accepted by Ghanaians for cultural reasons especially.
He weighed in on the recent “LGBTQ+ is a human rights” comment as used by visiting US vice president Kamala Harris.
“Before visiting Ghana for example the American veep should have had discussions with Ghanaians who live and work in America over these sensitive matters.
“I genuinely believe that unlike the US, we are largely a conservative society and for most educated or otherwise it will be difficult to accept the practice of homosexuality,” he added.
On whether or not Ghanaians will come to accept homosexuality sometime in the future, he posited: “Therefore, my suggestion would be to allow Ghanaians time to develop their critical thinking and come (on their own) to accept that homosexuality is a human rights issue, and allow those who practice it the right to do so.”
Ghana is currently awaiting the passage of an anti-LGBTQ+ law which will criminalize same-sex relations and their attendant advocacy.
Read his full post below:
Recently I had a discussion over this matter of homosexuality and I told the person that the Americans should not push this agenda ( homosexuality as a human rights issue) on Ghana because we come from a different culture!
Before visiting Ghana for example the American veep should have had discussions with Ghanaians who live and work in America over these sensitive matters.
I genuinely believe that unlike the US, we are largely a conservative society and for most educated or otherwise it will be difficult to accept the practice of homosexuality. Therefore, my suggestion would be to allow Ghanaians time to develop their critical thinking and come ( on their own) to accept that homosexuality is a human rights issue, and allow those who practice it the right to do so.
Not everyone in America accepts homosexuality, and also America has a large conservative and religious population, but at the same time there are also many liberals who keep or maintain the balance in the society! And I think that is a good thing.
So time and not haste should make us wiser concerning these matters.
The People’s National Convention (PNC) has urged Christians to use the Easter season to reach out to God for protection against everything LGBTQ+.
“We wish to use this occasion to call on Christians to support the bill on proper human sexual values in parliament and to pray to God for the continuous protection of Ghana against LGBTQI+ influence”, the party said in a statement signed by General Secretary Janet Nabla, dated Friday, 7 April 2023.
The private members’ bill is being sponsored by MPs across the aisle in Ghana’s parliament.
It became a topical issue, for the umpteenth time, during the recent visit of US Vice President Kamala Harris to Ghana.
At a joint press conference with President Nana Akufo-Addo at the Jubilee House, Accra, the US Vice President said she felt strongly about what she described a human rights issue.
For his part, Mr Akufo-Addo said his government was not behind the bill, stressing that it was being pushed by “just a handful of MPs”.
Mr Akufo-Addo said the bill was currently going through the parliamentary process, adding that he would step in at the right time.
Read the PNC’s full statement below:
The Press
LET’S CELEBRATE EASTER BY SACRIFICING FOR OUR COUNTRY JUST AS CHRIST SACRIFICED HIS LIFE TO SAVE MANKIND
The PNC wishes all Christians a Happy Easter celebration.
The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ changed the narrative of human history and infused hope, love and sacrifice into the world.
Christ’s sacrifice enjoined all believers to emulate him in their everyday life.
We must refrain from all forms of selfishness and greed that have bedeviled us as a nation but love one another and be each other’s keeper.
We wish to use this occasion to call on Christians to support the bill on proper human sexual values in parliament and to pray to God for the continuous protection of Ghana against LGBTQ+ influence.
The Minister for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Stephen Asamoah Boateng aka Asabee has sent a strong signal to the promoters and advocates of LGBTQI issues in Ghana.
The Minister has declared that Ghana’s stance, so far as he is the Minister concerned with two spiritual sectors Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, the LGBTQI is a “NO, NO, NO” for Ghana.
“This whole issue of LGB whatever you guys call it. I even deliberately refuse to know the full name. I have blocked my mind from knowing the full name. The whole thing is not spiritual because they are playing around and using Human Rights to promote it.
“Nobody is asking that they should kill anybody, that’s not the issue at all. We are only saying if you are wrong, we need to be able to tell you that you are wrong.
“…How can America which brought us the Bible and puts God first in everything they do get involved and promote the very things that God and the Bible frown upon.
“Is it that they edited the Bible and removed some of its contents or there’s something they are not telling us?”Asabee fumed.
Asabee expressed these concerns during a courtesy call on him at his Ministry in Accra on Thursday 6th April 2023, by the President of the Spiritual Faith ECKANKAR Ghana, Mr. Aspect Caiquo and his delegation.
The Minister’s team that welcomed and hosted the ECKANKAR Leadership included the Acting Chief Director of the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Madam Fati Lily Soale, the Hon. Minister’s Special Assistant, Mr. Joojo Blankson and the Public Relations Officer for the Ministry Madam Mamle Ramani.
The courtesy call, was meant among others, to formally invite Hon. Stephen Asamoah Boateng to participate in both the official launch of the spiritual seminar event on May 9th 2023 and the event proper from 25th to 27th of August 2023.
This came to light prior to some discussions and letters ECKANKAR Ghana had sent earlier to the Ministry in relation to the Spiritual ECK AFRICAN SOUL ADVENTURE SEMINAR 2023.
Asabee further lamented that Ghanaians are losing their true spiritual identity and must make efforts to realign and reconnect their true selves and with God on a different level.
He urged Ghanaians to fully participate in the upcoming Spiritual ECK AFRICAN SOUL ADVENTURE SEMINAR 2023 and explore the full benefits of spiritual growth the seminar will offer participants and guests.
He further assured the ECKANKAR Leadership of his full support during the summit.
On his part, the President of ECKANKAR Ghana, Mr. Aspect Caiquo revealed that Ghana is hosting this year’s edition of the ECK AFRICAN SOUL ADVENTURE SEMINAR for the 2nd time since 2012.
He mentioned that since the event is a religious affair, it became prudent that the team visited the ministry to formally engage the minister as a key stakeholder.
He said the event comes off at the Temple of ECK Ghana at Okponglo East Legon, located next to the Erata Hotel.
The ECKANKAR Ghana President Mr. Aspect Caiquo used the opportunity to enter into the spiritual aspects of some doctrines and teachings of the ECKANKAR Spiritual faith.
He mentioned that the organisation is one of the leading Faith-based organisations in Ghana, the ECKANKAR Ghana.
Mr. Aspect Caiquo revealed that the Spiritual Leader of ECKANKAR is Harold Klemp, the Mahanta, the Living ECK Master based in Minnesotta.
He said the event is expected to gather about 7,000 passionate and highly spiritual people from all walks of life most whom will travel from other parts of the world far and near to participate.
Mr. Aspect Caiquo also used the opportunity to present some ECKANKAR Spiritual Materials and Literature to Hon. Stephen Asamoah Boateng and his team
Citing a little background, he said ECKANKAR is an ancient wisdom for today.
Its teachings, which resurfaced in 1965, emphasize the value of personal experiences as the most natural way back to God.
“Whatever your religious background, we show how to look and listen within yourself to expand your consciousness and enjoy spiritual connectedness.
See for yourself—perhaps for the first time—how to live a happy, balanced, productive life and put daily concerns into loving perspective.
ECKANKAR has a few basic beliefs. Simple spiritual exercises are taught that lead to the experience of the Light and Sound of God.
As we practice the spiritual exercises, we learn to recognize the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
According to ECKANKAR, each of us is a Soul, a spark of God sent to this world to gain spiritual experience.
ECKANKAR studies dreams as a source of inner truth, learning how working with our dreams from a spiritual perspective can help us handle daily challenges and learn from them.”
Investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni has warned against molesting members of the LGBTQ+ community.
He said that the debate about LGBTQ+ rights should not be left to hardliners – those who think that one is either in support of the community or not.
He stressed that while he doesn’t support the LGBTQ community, he will not want them beaten, molested, or imprisoned for belonging to the community.
He added that the tendency to judge one’s enlightenment or otherwise on whether or not one supports or disapproves of the LGBTQ community is untenable, adding that opposing the community should not mean one is uncivilized.
“The LGBTQ+ debate is difficult to have if you are not a hardliner. There are people whose view is that you either hate the LGBTQ+ or you support them. These hardliners include some members of the LGBTQ+ community, who argue that you’re either for them or against them.
I don’t support any of the variables in the LGBTQ+ movement. I have stated this a number of times. I also dislike the fact that some powerful countries are almost forcing some other countries to accept it as a norm and legalise it.
As I stated in my public lecture at the University of Ghana, if my daughter told me she believes she is a boy trapped in a girl’s body, I would call a psychologist, not a human rights lawyer. And I definitely would not call the police. These are my views I should be free to hold them irrespective of where I find myself.
On the issue of LGBTQ+, not all Americans or British or Canadians support the movement. So it is normal that the majority of Ghanaians don’t support it. Supporting LGBTQ+ should not be the standard rod for measuring civility. People who do not believe in gay or transgender should not be viewed as unenlightened,” explained.
READ ALSO: BREAKING News: Former 2nd Lady Hajia Ramatu Aliu Mahama confirmed dead The debate on the rights of the LGBTQ+ community has come to the fore again following the visit of the Vice President of American and his comments that rights, including LGBTQ rights, ought to be respected.
Read the full piece of Manasseh Azure Awuni below:
YOU CAN BE AGAINST LGBTQ+ BUT STILL…
The LGBTQ+ debate is one that is difficult to have if you are not a hardliner. There are people whose view is that you either hate the LGBTQ+ or you support them. These hardliners include some members of the LGBTQ+ community, who argue that you’re either for them or against them.
I don’t support any of the variables in the LGBTQ+ movement. I have stated this a number of times. I also dislike the fact that some powerful countries are almost forcing some other countries to accept it as a norm and legalise it.
As I stated in my public lecture at the University of Ghana, if my daughter told me she believes she is a boy trapped in a girl’s body, I would call a psychologist, not a human rights lawyer. And I definitely would not call the police. These are my views I should be free to hold them irrespective of where I find myself.
On the issue of LGBTQ+, not all Americans or British or Canadians support the movement. So it is normal that the majority of Ghanaians don’t support it. Supporting LGBTQ+ should not be the standard rod for measuring civility. People who do not believe in gay or transgender should not be viewed as unenlightened.
In the same way, opposing it is not the standard of measuring morality. Those who do not support LGBTQ+ should not expect everyone to hold a hostile position on the subject or against the community.
I don’t support LGBTQ+ activities, but my hardline position started to soften when I encountered Dr. Sulley Ali Gabass in my investigation. I began to appreciate that these are people real human beings. Some of them are good human beings.
I have maintained that I won’t be happy if any of my family members were an LGBTQ+ community member. But I would not want them to be beaten or molested if they were. I would not even want them to be jailed for it.
So, speaking up against attacks on the LGBTQ+ community does not necessarily mean supporting that community. Speaking up against hostile LGBTQ+ legislation does not mean one supports LGBTQ+ activities.
But considering the fact that the powerful LGBTQ+ community appears to be hostile to people who don’t support their cause and some actually suffer for it, it is difficult to have a reasonable debate on the subject.
Whatever the hostilities are, however, it will be dangerous to leave it to the hardliners. Some of the laws go beyond LGBTQ+ to stifle general freedoms such as the free speech of people outside the scope the law intends to regulate.
The United Fetish Priests Association (UFPA) is solidly behind the passage of Ghana’s anti-LGBTQ+ bill which pending approval in Parliament.
They have vowed to invade Parliament with eggs and schnapps to curse lawmakers should they vote against the controversial Lesbians, Gays, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (anti-LGBTQI+) Bill.
According to the group’s president Nana Mosi Bansere, it would be a betrayal of Ghana’s tradition and culture if the MPs chose to put their own interests ahead of the nation and reject the bill.
He continued by saying that if Ghana allows the practice of homosexuality, the effort and sacrifice of the forefathers would be in vain and the nation will be cursed spiritually.
“Our tradition, culture, gods, rivers, dwarfs, ghosts, and other spirits surrounding our country frown on LGBTQI+, so, we (United Fetish Priest Association) will go after them with eggs and Schnapps if they vote against the Bill. We don’t trust them, we will resist LGBTQI+ with our last breath.
“The toil and the blood of our forefathers will be in vain and they will regret sacrificing their blood for Ghana and will therefore demand answers from traditional priests if they don’t support the fight against same-sex marriage and called on traditional rulers to wake up,” onuaonline.com quoted him to have said in an interview with Onua FM on March 04, 2023.
Ghana is in the process of passing a law that criminalises LGBTQ+ practices.
Under the bill, persons found guilty of breaching the law could be sentenced to jail among other forms of punishment.
The bill has received wide public acceptance but has also attracted criticisms from human rights activists and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
The Vice President of the United States of America, Kamala Harris during her recent visit to Ghana raised concerns about the bill while describing LGBTQ+ practice as a human right.
The Ugandan Parliament has pronounced sentences for persons found guilty of LGBTQ+ and its related activities.
The sentences are to serve as deterrents to persons with intentions to engage in the act, following the passage of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill 2023, which was passed on March 21, 2023.
A statement announcing them said: “The Parliament of Uganda has unanimously considered and passed the Anti-Homosexuality Bill 2023 with maximum penalty of death sentence and imprisonment for other offenses.”
According to the statement, persons convicted of aggravated homosexuality will face a death penalty. Secondly, persons who commit the offense of homosexuality will face a 20-year sentence.
Additionally, a person convicted of promotion of homosexuality will be subjected to a jail term of 20 years.
A person recruiting children into homosexuality will face a 20-year jail sentence, if found guilty.
Persons who are convicted of attempted aggravated homosexuality will face a 14-year jail sentence.
Under the new law, persons convicted of attempted homosexuality will face a 10-year jail sentence.
Also, the owner of the premises that promote homosexuality will face a jail term of 10 years.
Children have not been left out in this as Uganda has pronounced sentences for children such that a child found guilty of homosexuality will be jailed 3 years.
Media houses that publish materials that promote homosexuality will be fined 1 billion shillings and also have their licenses revoked for 10 years.
About the Anti-Homosexuality Bill 2023
The Anti-Homosexuality Bill, 2023 is a Ugandan parliamentary bill that restricts freedom of speech on LGBT topics and criminalises homosexuality. Parliament assented to the bill, which was then sent to President Yoweri Museveni, on 21 March 2023.
The bill has been condemned by the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, and the European Union, as well as several local and international NGOs.
Investigative journalist, Manasseh Azure Awuni has questioned why African governments seem to be prioritising the fight against homosexuality when corruption remains a big ‘canker’ on the continent.
In a Facebook post sighted by GhanaWeb, the journalist said he finds it hard to comprehend how governments on the continent are passing harsh legislations against LGBTQ+ practices over existing laws punishing corruption.
“I don’t understand why a continent that is ravaged by pervasive corruption is passing anti-LGBTQ+ laws that are harsher than corruption. In other words, why should a politician openly steal from his people and win the next election when supporting LGBTQ+ would guarantee a defeat?” he questioned.
Currently a number of African countries have taken a strong position against LGBTQ+ practices with some passing stiff legislations against it. In March, Uganda’s parliament passed sweeping anti-LGBTQ legislation with strict new penalties for homosexuality. The legislation proscribes “the death penalty in cases of ‘aggravated homosexuality,’ defined as sexual relations with someone below the age of 14 or above the age of 75, and for repeat offenders.”
Ghana is following suit with a bill that seeks to criminalise LGBTQ+ practices.
Under the bill, persons found guilty of breaching the law stand a chance of being sentenced to jail among other forms of punishment.
The bill has received wide public acceptance but has also attracted criticisms from human rights activists and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
The Vice President of the United States of America, Kamala Harris during her recent visit to Ghana raised concerns about the bill while describing LGBTQ+ practice as a human right.
Chairman of the Constitutional, Parliamentary, and Legal Affairs Committee of Parliament has raised doubts about the implementation of the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, 2021 (anti-LGBTQI bill), which Parliament is considering.
According to Kwame Anyimadu Antwi, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Asante Akim Central, even though the bill has been fine tuned to ensure that it conforms with the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, implementing it will be very difficult if it is passed into law.
Speaking in an interview on Neat FM on Friday, monitored by GhanaWeb, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) explained that prosecuting LGBTI activities in Ghana will be difficult because these activities are not done in the public.
“This bill tells the public that Ghanaians do not condone LGBTQ+ activities, but from where I stand, I think that the enforcement of this law will be very difficult.
“Because if people are engaging in these activities in their rooms, it will be difficult for them to be dealt with. Unless they come out to say they engaged in these acts, what evidence can you provide for their prosecution?” he said in Twi.
He added that the country already has a law which forbids ‘unnatural carnal knowledge’ and that the house will be considering issues surrounding people of the same sex adopting children, among others.
Meanwhile, Parliament is expected to debate and pass the anti-gay bill. This is after the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee of Parliament presented the final draft of the, which was sponsored by a group of bi-partisan Members of Parliament, to the plenary.
The president of Kenya, William Ruto, has renounced same-sex couples and emphasized that his nation will firmly adhere to what its customs, traditions, and 2010 Constitution say regarding marriage and relationships.
He praised the constitution as one of the most advanced documents for the range of human rights it established and declared that Kenyans would respect all rights to the extent that they were recognized by law.
He stressed in an interview with a German broadcaster, however, that his country has no issue with how marriage is interpreted or understood in other jurisdictions.
“In Kenya, the only understanding of relationships around marriage is around men marrying women, that is the context of relationship that exist in Kenya and is provided for in our constitution.
“It (same-sex marriage) can happen elsewhere, we have no issue with people celebrating their issues in America in other countries, that is their choosing,” he stressed when asked about a recent anti-same-sex law promulgated in neighbouring Uganda.
“In Kenya, we have taken a position that position of the Constitution, the position of the laws as it is today, if that is what they want to do, we cannot dictate to Germans or French or Americans or Ugandans if that is what they want to do.
“That is theirs to do, for us as a country, we have taken a position that is informed by our culture, our tradition, our Constitution and our laws,” he stressed.
The Catholic Bishops Conference has urged the government to reject the $139 million budget support the United States government has promised Ghana if it is tied to the country accepting LGBTQ+ activities.
Speaking in an interview with Catholic Trends, the President of the Catholic Bishop Conference, Most Rev. Matthew Gyamfi, said that accepting aid from the US government with any LGBTQ conditions would amount to the government selling the country’s birth right.
He added that the government must tell the people of Ghana what the conditions for the $139 million are before accepting it.
“This is a very serious issue. It is at the gate of who we are as Ghanaians and nobody should toy with it with money. And if that should be the case (the aid is tied to Ghana accepting LGBT), let the government reject the money and tell the people, this is what they are saying. Should I take it? So that you do this or not and let the people decide.
“This is not the first time. We have seen the European Union, the United States and these rich countries sometimes push down our throats with certain reforms and certain things and they say if only you do these things, we would give you the money.
“I know the government has done that over and over and over, and many Ghanaians know it. It is not only I who is saying it. So when it comes to something that makes a people, a people. That is their culture and tradition, then if you sell your birth right, culture and tradition, if you sell who you are for money when you get the money who are you again?” Most Rev. Gyamfi said.
The office of the United States Vice President indicated that the US government will support Ghana with $139 million for the 2024 fiscal year.
According to Aljazeera, the $139 million is an addition to the $100 million security support, Vice President Kamala Harris announced for five West African countries including Ghana.
Currently, teams and captains risk sanctions if they don’t wear the FIFA-required armbands; Harry Kane, the men’s captain of England, was compelled to abandon his plans to wear a “OneLove” armband during the World Cup in Qatar; The 2023 Women’s World Cup begins in July in Australia and New Zealand.
With regards to rules prohibiting “OneLove” or rainbow armbands at the Women’s World Cup this summer, FIFA claims that it is in discussions with teams and players.
Currently, teams and captains risk punishment if they compete in one of FIFA’s tournaments without the required wristband.
The German FA brought up the matter formally during a World Cup planning workshop because they don’t want players from Australia and New Zealand to face sanctions during the competition from July to August.
The matter was also discussed by the game’s lawmakers IFAB during post-Qatar 2022 debriefs.
A FIFA spokesperson has told Sky Sports “at a team workshop, FIFA was asked about equipment and competition regulations in relation to the 2023 FIFA Women`s World Cup.
FIFA wishes to reiterate that no decision has been taken in relation to armbands.
FIFA remains committed to ongoing dialogue with players and member associations.”
The FA and England team bosses were left angry in December when the armband issue left players potentially facing punishment if they went against tournament rules.
England captain Leah Williamson has been open about her desire to show support to the LGBTQ+ community during the World Cup this summer and wore a rainbow armband when she lifted the Euros trophy last summer.
“Obviously, you hope it’s not a last-minute call once we get there but it’ssomething we want to do all year round and we’ve done previously,” she told reporters in February.
“The statement that was made at the Euros with every team participating was incredible, every picture we have with a trophy lift there’s a rainbow armband in there.
It’s a great stage and a great time to promote the values we believe in so much, so I hope it’s the same.
“We’re never shy in saying what we stand for, we’re a squad that promotes inclusivity and equality, we obviously have a number of people that feel very strongly about it,” Williamson said.
“It’s not even a question for us, you’ve seen another men’s player step out and be as brave as they can be and they’ve changed their whole life. They don’t know what’s coming.
So, for us to stand in solidarity with that is important to us but it’s something we’ve always done, it’s something we’ll continue to do.
We’re not just impacting football, we’re trying to have a positive impact on society too and that’s one of the ways we can do that.”
The Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram Constituency in the Greater Accra region, Sam Nartey George has lambasted the Vice president of the United States of America, Kamala Harris over her comment on the the issue of Lesbians, Gays, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ+) activities in Ghana.
According to Sam George, the vice president, who is currently in Ghana on a mission to strengthen ties between Ghana and the United States, is unqualified to lecture Ghanaians on human rights issues because human rights violations are common in her home country.
He proceeded by suggesting that Americans should understand the legislative process in order to address such a difficult problem because human rights issues are prevalent in the US.
Speaking in an interview with Citi FM on March 28, 2023, Sam George added that the American people should visit Ghana and learn a few things about the lawmaking process from our parliament because they are willing to assist them.
“For the president to run away from his own government’s position on the Bill is unbelievable and worrying but let me assure you that we are not going to be cowed by the undemocratic comments of the American Vice President.
“The American people should be coming to Ghana to learn a few things from our Parliament when it comes to issues of lawmaking because we will be in a good position to help them,” he stressed.
He voiced unhappiness with President Akufo-Addo for his recent remarks regarding the LGBTQI+ bill when he spoke with Kamala Harris at a joint press conference.
President Akufo-Addo is quoted to have said that the anti-LGBT bill, which was championed by “only a hand full of MPs”, is currently being considered by Parliament.
Akufo-Addo added that even if the bill is passed, it will still have to be ratified by him.
It may be recalled that Kamala Harris spoke on the issue of LGBTQ+ activities while responding to a question at Jubilee House, in Accra, on Monday, March 27, Kamala Harris said that for her, the LGBTQ+ issue was one that bordered on human rights.
She added that every person has the right to live as he/she wants.
“Let me be clear about where we stand. First of all, for the American press who are here, you know that a great deal of work in my career has been to address human rights issues and equality issues across the board including those related to the LGBT community.
“And I feel very strongly about the importance of supporting freedom and supporting and fighting for equality among all people and that all people be treated equally.
“I will also say that this is an issue that we consider and I consider to be a human rights issue and that will not change,” she stressed.
It’s safe to say that Prince William‘s unexpected visit to a Polish city close to the Ukrainian border earlier this week did not go over well with Russia.
On Wednesday, the heir to the throne unexpectedly stopped by to greet British troops in Rzeszów, which is about 100 kilometers or an hour’s drive from Ukraine.
He traveled to Warsaw to visit some of the more than a million Ukrainian refugees who have sought safety in Poland after expressing gratitude to them for “keeping an eye on” the situation across the border.
The Russians responded by making it apparent that they did not appreciate the show of support for the victims of their barbaric invasion.
According to The Sun, Maria Vladimirovna Zakharova, a spokesperson for the country’s foreign ministry, referred to the future king as ‘William Charles-ovich’.
The suffix added to someone’s name means ‘son of’ – as in Vladimir Putin’s middle name, Vladimirovich.
She also reportedly referenced the supply of depleted uranium tank shells by the UK to Ukraine, something that has been brought up repeatedly by the Kremlin and its allies in recent days.
The newspaper quoted her as saying: ‘I wonder if William Charles-ovich brought depleted uranium ammunition for his troops.’
Earlier this week, Putin’s defence minister suggested to reporters the delivery of ammunition with depleted uranium from the UK meant there were ‘fewer and fewer’ steps towards a nuclear collision.
In response, an MoD spokesperson said: ‘The British Army has used depleted uranium in its armour piercing shells for decades.
‘It is a standard component and has nothing to do with nuclear weapons or capabilities.
‘Russia knows this, but is deliberately trying to disinform.’
It comes as no surprise that the Kremlin is unhappy about William’s Poland trip.
As well as supporting the British troops, the Prince of Wales seemed to signal support for the country’s LGBTQ+ community by eating at a ‘queer safe space’ restaurant on Wednesday evening.
Both Russia and Poland have drawn condemnation for their treatment of LGBTQ+ people in recent years.
On Friday, March 24, 2023, the Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee will present its findings on the Promotion of Appropriate Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, 2021, better known as the Anti-LGBTQ+ bill, according to Bernard Ahiafor, the committee’s ranking member.
According to him, the committee has considered the concerns of Ghanaians after they received over 200 memoranda on the bill.
Speaking in an interview with GhanaWeb’s Nimatu Yakubu Atouyese, he said, “…We are at a stage that the committee’s report and the recommended amendments on the LGBTQ+ bill is ready, so it likely tomorrow we will lay the report on the LGBTQ+ bill by which it has now moved from the committee to the plenary for consideration.
“So, it will be for a second reading then after the second reading when the bill passes through the second reading, then it moves to a consideration stage, the third reading, then it is passed. And will be referred to the president for accent in line with the constitutional imperatives.”
The Anti-LGBTQ+ bill sponsor, Sam George has hinted that the bill will be presented before the house in March 2023.
This comes after the committee on the bill met with the Attorney General Wednesday, February 22, 2023, after which he indicated that he was okay with the bill.
“I can see that we now have a light at the end of the tunnel. We have reached the end of the tunnel. And we’ll be bringing that report hopefully before the end of March or before this house rises and laying it before the house for debates on the floor. And so watch this space. We are in a good place. And we’ll be looking forward to you giving us all the support to pass this landmark bill, which will be the first of its kind. Yesterday the Attorney General made that point the first of its kind on African continent. Nigeria has a bill banning same sex marriages. That’s all. It doesn’t have all the other things our bill has. And so we’re excited about this,” Sam George added.
On November 6 of last year, the Abu Bakr Trust, which manages three schools in the Staffordshire town of Walsall, allegedly posted the homophobic messages.
According to reports, the organisation asked members to pray “for protection from bad deeds and against LGBTQ” in a post on its Facebook page.
It also allegedly wrote: ‘My Lord, save me and my family from what they do.’
Someone with links to the trust also allegedly shared a Facebook video of a Taliban cleric claiming he was ‘very bright’, according to research done by the Henry Jackson Society.
The Charity Commission officially raised concerns and a formal investigation was opened.
The trust has since apologised for the posts, claiming a volunteer has made them without authorisation from staff or trustees but it went on to ‘accept full responsibility’ for what it described as an ‘oversight’.
The Abu Bakr Trust runs three schools, including a nursery, in Walsall (Picture: Trinity)
Ironically, the trust’s school for girls, which is independent but receives government grants, was praised for its tolerance of same-sex couples last March.
A report from Ofsted at the time read: ‘Pupils have a sound understanding of fundamental British values.
‘They talk knowledgeably about democracy, how laws are made and how this relates to everyday life in school. Pupils have a detailed understanding of other religions.
‘They speak confidently about the similarities and differences that exist between Islam and other religions. Pupils talk about the different types of relationships and families that exist in their local community.
‘This includes single-parent families, same-sex couples and children who are in care.’
Meanwhile Abu Bakr Boys School, in Queen Mary Street, was rated overall as ‘inadeqaute’ following an inspection last June – but it was praised for encouraging schoolchildren to ‘understand and respect differences’.
Charlotte Littlewood, who conducted the research for the Henry Jackson Society, said: ‘It’s a very worrying time for the LGBT community.
‘We seem to be making great leaps in some areas but in this particular area, we are just not making the same headway. I’m worried about the impact this has on our young people if they are being taught intolerance.
‘We are bringing children up in a multicultural society where the priority is that we are a cohesive society based on tolerance. Some schools are not teaching that – those schools will not prepare children for a successful life in the UK.
‘Parents should think hard about the kinds of environments they are placing their children in, if they want Britain to be a safe and tolerant place for all.’
The Abu Bakr Trust’s full statement:
Abu Bakr Trust Charity has been operating for the past 18 years without major issues. The charity has always adhered strictly to its objectives i.e. providing sound education via schools (for children) and services for worshippers at the mosques (for all).
The current trustees were all appointed last year due to the ill health and age of the long-time trustees. The new trustees have been getting to grips with all aspects of managing the charity’s work since then.
The previous trustees had delegated some activities to volunteers as the charity has limited resources for staffing. Responsibility for social media was not created by the charity, instead community volunteers had taken the initiative to set up a Facebook page in 2011.
When the trustees became aware of this, they were told that it was only used to post monthly prayer timetables and upcoming events, etc. From its history, it can be confirmed that this platform has minimal activity.
However, after the pandemic, in lockdown periods, when physical attendance was restricted, platforms like social media were used more than before as a means of communication but the administration/control stayed with the volunteers. It appears that previously the login details had been widely shared among volunteers allowing them to post without the staff and trustee’s approvals.
‘The posts in question were made by a volunteer with login details, but no staff or trustees approved them. We deleted the posts immediately and changed the login details and have now taken control of social media policy and will only post necessary information posts as previously.
‘We accept full responsibility for the oversight due to the transition of trustees. We apologise for any upset or offence this has caused and are already working with advisers and the Charity Commission to put in place an effective policy and controls.’
Director-General of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA), Prof. Edward Appiah, has convinced the National House of Chiefs that the education curriculum the council was creating does not contain LGBTQ+ contents.
Speaking at the National House of Chiefsmeeting on Friday, March 3, 2023, to engage them on the Secondary Education Curriculum Development, the Dierctor-General said the curriculum is focused on the nation’s culture, not the Western culture.
Nananom had earlier raised some concerns about the LGBTQ+ controversy when Prof Appiah appeared before the House to engage them on the new curriculum.
Responding to them, he said: “You can be assured that, that will not feature in our curriculum.”
Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, has his stance on same-sex relationships, a subject that has recently gained attention.
Dame said based on his religious, moral and cultural viewpoints, he was totally against anything that promoted same-sex ideology.
“I am seriously anti-gay, that’s a point. 100%. I had the opportunity to express it in a programme that I did in 2006,” he told Paul Adom-Otchere on the January 17 edition of Good Evening Ghana programme.
“I think that it is abominable, that is my view, Christian, moral, cultural, however you want to term it,” he added.
Asked how he would handle a relation who subscribes to the ideology, he responded: “I will actually make a conscious effort to rid the person of such a situation.”
Dame was responding to questions on the anti-Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ+) bill, a private members’ initiative, that is currently before Parliament.
He is due to appear before the parliamentary committee sitting publicly to receive views on the bill which has split public opinion, between hardliners who are in full support of the bill and the human rights advocates who argue that the bill in its current form is repressive and dangerous.
Dame observed that the bill in its current form needed some amount of reworking in parts citing the fact that it imposes a financial burden on the state and also contains sections that are repetitions of existing laws.
The bill, officially known as ‘The Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill’ was laid before the House last year and referred to the Committee for among others, public consultation.
It was sponsored by eight MPs, seven from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and one from the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
