Ghanaian president, Nana Akufo-Addo says legalizing homosexuality not a pressing social issue in Ghana
President Nana Akufo-Addo has said a change in the law to decriminalize homosexuality is not of concern to Ghanaians at present.
The President, once a human rights activist and a lawyer, however said if activism in favour of the legalization of homosexuality heightens, that could trigger a change in Ghana’s laws.
In an interview with Qatar-based Al Jazeera, President Akufo-Addo said he felt such a push was “bound to happen” and possibly pave the way for the decriminalization of homosexuality.
Despite Ghana’s standing as a beacon of democracy on the African continent, the country’s decision not to succumb to advocacy for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender rights has been questioned by some sections of the international community and even met by indirect threats.
Without making any definite pronouncement on the issue during the interview, President Akufo-Addo said any possible change will only come after a strong concerted push for LGBT rights from some sections of the public.
“For these socio-cultural issues, I don’t believe that in Ghana so far, a sufficiently strong coalition has emerged which is having that much impact on public opinion that will say, change it,” he stated.
The President noted that the acceptance of LGBT has always started with protests, and he recalled that even in the countries that now champion LGBT rights, homosexuality was illegal until activism brought change.
“I grew up at a time in England where homosexuality was banned, it was illegal and I lived in a period where British politicians thought it was anathema to even think about changing the law and then suddenly, the activities of individuals and groups… grew and grew stronger and enforced the change in the law.”
“Those are the same processes that will bring about changes [in Ghana],” he added. But “at the moment, I don’t feel that there is that strong current of opinion that is saying this is something that we need you to deal with. It is not so far a matter which is on the agenda.”
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6 Comments
Malik
November 28, 10:36I like his tact. If he’s actually saying what I think he’s saying. LGBT Ghanaians should stage a serious enough protest and they’ll pick up the conversation from there. Fair enough from an African president if you ask me.
Manach
November 28, 10:37“For these socio-cultural issues, I don’t believe that in Ghana so far, a sufficiently strong coalition has emerged which is having that much impact on public opinion that will say, change it,” he stated.
For those who will rush in now and start slinging invectives. Comprehension is key
Gad
November 28, 21:40The greatest challenge to homophobia is shielding oneself from people who are angry with you for discussing it.
Canis VY Majoris
November 29, 06:27Glimmer of Hope, an African President that is liberal.
Well said sir. Change has a process.
Absalom
November 29, 16:31Still sad, though, that what is morally right has to depend on what is popular. Then again, he’s a politician.
Nice save, still.
Ghanaian president, Nana Akufo-Addo reassures church leaders that he won’t decriminalise homosexuality – KitoDiaries
August 14, 04:45[…] claimed late last year that the country is bound to eventually decriminalise homosexuality. In an interview with Al Jazeera, he said “it is something that is bound to happen,” and that “like elsewhere in the world, […]