Faith-based stakeholders have expressed strong support for the recent passage of the Anti-LGBTTQAP+ Bill, also known as the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Act, by Parliament. The bill, which awaits Presidential assent, has garnered praise from various religious and traditional leaders for upholding Ghanaian cultural and traditional values.
During a recent interview with the Ghana News Agency, leaders from diverse religious and traditional backgrounds commended Parliament for its resilience in passing the bill after three years of deliberation. They emphasized that the practice of same-sex behaviour goes against Ghanaian and African traditions and is being imposed by Western countries and entities.
Rev. Dr. Lt. Col. Bliss Divine Agbeko (rtd), Moderator of the General Assembly of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana, asserted that imposing sexual practices deemed as evil on Africans is untenable. He stressed the importance of procreation and preserving traditional values, stating that LGBTQ+ practices are unacceptable in Ghanaian society.
Echoing similar sentiments, Mr. Raphael Kofi Nana Dunyo, a traditionalist from Dagbamete, emphasized that Ghanaian customs and beliefs have historically forbidden LGBTQ+ practices. He stated that such acts are considered unacceptable within traditional jurisdictions, as they defy cultural norms and traditions.
Togbega Patamia Dzekley VII, Paramount Chief of Battor Traditional Area, condemned same-sex behaviour as an abomination to traditional and cultural belief systems. He rejected any consideration of same-sex marriages, emphasizing the sanctity of traditional practices and rejecting Western influence.
Mr. James Gawu, spokesperson for Togbui Saba V, emphasized the importance of upholding cultural and religious values, questioning the long-term consequences of LGBTQ+ activities on future generations. He deemed such practices as an affront to the gods and emphasized the need for societal acceptance of the bill.
Alhaji Alfa Anas Hamidu, Volta Regional Chief Imam, referenced the Quran to underscore the religious opposition to same-sex activities. He warned of the repercussions mentioned in religious texts and advocated for educating the youth on the matter to preserve Islamic values.
However, Professor Audrey Gadzekpo, Board Chair of the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD) Ghana, criticized the bill as obnoxious and dangerous for democracy and human rights. Development partners have also expressed concerns about the potential negative consequences if the bill becomes law.
The passage of the Anti-LGBTTQAP+ Bill has sparked a diverse range of reactions, with faith-based stakeholders lauding it as a reinforcement of Ghanaian cultural values, while others caution against its potential impact on human rights and international relations.
