Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, Bishop Tackie-Yarboi said while everyone has the right to make personal choices, it becomes problematic when those choices are forced on society.

“My take on the LGBTQ issue is simple, don’t force anyone to align with your lifestyle. Even if I choose to talk about it, that’s my right to free speech. I disagree with it, but once you try to force it down our throats, that’s where the problem starts,” he said.

The Bishop further noted that the law should focus on preventive rather than punitive measures to discourage people from engaging in such acts.

He also cautioned against judging people based on appearance, emphasizing that no one truly knows what happens in private.

“You can’t look at someone who’s effeminate and assume they’re gay. Unless you have evidence, you can’t make such judgments,” he added.

His comments come as Parliament prepares to reintroduce the controversial Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill, following Speaker Alban Bagbin’s ruling that the bill expired with the dissolution of the 8th Parliament.

Source: AdomOnline

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According to him, the act amounts to a desecration of a national monument and a blatant attack on the country’s cultural values.

In a tweet posted on Thursday, June 26, the MP blamed former President John Dramani Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for what he described as the growing moral decay in society, accusing them of enabling LGBTQ+ advocacy through their leadership.

“Under Mahama & NDC, foreign gay couple boldly desecrate our national monuments: kiss under Independence Square, flaunting Ghana flag. They’re emboldened to defy the dignity and sanctity of our rich Ghanaian values right before our eyes,” Rev. Fordjour tweeted.

The backlash follows the release of photos by South African couple Lue and Rue, who visited Ghana as part of their #ShowGhanaLove campaign.

Their images, taken at iconic landmarks including the Independence Arch, were intended as a peaceful protest against Ghana’s proposed anti-LGBTQ legislation.

While the couple framed the campaign as a call for inclusion and love, the gesture has sparked outrage on social media, with critics labeling it disrespectful to Ghana’s heritage and culture.

Rev. Fordjour said the incident underscores the urgent need to pass the legislation to protect the country’s moral and cultural foundations.

“We shall end this absurdity with the bill,” he asserted.

Read the tweet below:

Under Mahama & NDC, foreign gay couple boldly desecrate our national monuments: kiss under Independence Square flaunting Ghana flag. They’re emboldened to defy the dignity and sanctity of our rich Ghanaian values right before our eyes. We shall end this absurdity with the bill. pic.twitter.com/yBARixx4Gs

— John Ntim Fordjour MP (@NtimFordjour) June 26, 2025

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In an interview on TV3 on Friday, April 11, the MP confirmed that he has resubmitted the Private Member’s Bill and is now awaiting an invitation from the Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs Committee to move the process forward.

“I have not changed my position on the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill. I have laid the Private Member’s Bill before Parliament,” Sam George stated.

Meanwhile, former President John Dramani Mahama has suggested that the bill would gain greater legitimacy and broader support if it were introduced as a government-sponsored initiative. Speaking during a meeting with the Catholic Bishops Conference, Mr. Mahama emphasized the importance of promoting family values through education and cultural awareness.

“For the bill to have broader legitimacy and a higher chance of success, it should ideally come with government backing,” he remarked.

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While refraining from providing specific details of his proposals, the MP expressed confidence that his suggestions would serve the national interest and shape the bill in alignment with Ghana’s laws and constitution.

Speaking ahead of the National Muslim Prayer and Thanksgiving event at the National Mosque on Friday, January 10, 2025, Mr. Iddrisu stated, “I have some ideas on the LGBTQ Bill, but I am yet to share them with the president as to how he can re-own the bill, gain national consensus around it, and ensure consistency with the laws of Ghana and the constitution.

“There is a way to address this. Commenting here would reduce the issue to a religious matter, but it is indeed a social problem that we must collectively tackle and resolve,” he added.

The LGBTQ Bill seeks to criminalize activities related to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI) advocacy.

It proposes penalties for individuals promoting or funding LGBTQI activities and those offering indirect support.

Proponents argue that the bill is necessary to safeguard Ghanaian cultural and family values from perceived foreign influences.

On the other hand, critics, including human rights advocates, condemn the bill as a violation of fundamental rights, such as freedom of expression, association, and equality.

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The bill, which aims to ban LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana, is currently awaiting approval from President Akufo-Addo.

Its implementation is on hold pending the resolution of legal challenges about its constitutionality, with the Supreme Court set to deliver a ruling on December 18.

During a worship service at the Philadelphia Church in Kumasi, Dr. Bawumia reaffirmed his commitment to enacting the legislation once all legal processes are complete.

“There are several policies and initiatives yet to be finalized. When I assume office, I will ensure their completion to bring satisfaction to everyone,” he stated.

“Among these policies is the LGBTQ+ bill currently pending in Parliament, which I will sign without hesitation. Another is the Anti-witchcraft bill, which is equally significant” he added.

Source: Adomonline

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He made this stance clear during his appearance at the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) Evening Engagement in Accra.

The IEA’s Presidential candidate Evening Encounters provide a platform for aspiring presidential candidates to share their vision for the nation and engage with key stakeholders.

During his session, Mr Kyerematen presented his Great Transformational Plan (GTP) for the country and shared his position on the controversial LGBTQ+ bill currently under judicial review.

“I oppose LGBTQ+ rights to the fullest extent possible,” he stated.

“It seems people aren’t hearing me. I’ve made this clear since the beginning of the debate—LGBTQ+ goes against my faith and our social values,” he added.

Mr Kyerematen also called on Chief Justice, Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo to take public policy interests into account in the legal deliberations surrounding the bill.

He also urged President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to sign the bill into law.

Source: Jagri Boaz Binyinjom

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He said such activities are contrary to the country’s values therefore cannot be allowed.

Dr. Bawumia noted that neither the Bible nor the Quran, as well as the Ghanaian populace, support such practices.

During a meeting with the clergy in Tamale on Thursday, the Vice President said, “On this matter of LGBTQ, I want to say again unequivocally that we will not allow it in Ghana. It is not going to be permitted. Our Bible says no, our Quran says no, and our people say no. So no. That is the answer.”

“No man will be marrying a man, no woman will be marrying a woman. It is not our value. And I will stand firm no matter the consequences.

“We will stand firm on that matter no matter the consequences. We will safeguard our country and we will safeguard our people.”

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According to him, while the President cannot be compelled to sign the Anti-LGBTQ Bill, he is obligated to adhere to the provisions of the 1992 constitution.

Therefore, if deemed necessary, a court order could be issued to compel the President to accept the bill in accordance with Article 106, Mr Addo said on The Law on JoyNews.

He stated that “we didn’t go to court to force the president to sign the bill, you can’t do that. We were in court to say that everything that parliament has to do, has been done, two the Speaker of Parliament is under duty pursuant to this section (Article 106) to carry the bill from parliament to the Presidency and the president has a duty to either sign the bill or not sign and refer it to the necessary bodies that are in the constitution.”

The private legal practitioner said that these reliefs are to ensure that the legislation process does not come to a standstill.

Furthermore, he noted that his client, South Dayi MP Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, who initiated the lawsuit, is concerned about the potential establishment of a precedent if the President’s decision not to accept the bill is left unchallenged.

“Remember that laws are also made up of precedents, customs, usages, and others. If we have this as a precedent, next time, somebody too will come and say, ‘Well, I have a discretion whether to accept this bill’. So we wanted to ensure that we have legal interpretation on this particular matter,” Mr Addo said.

He said that a court order ensures that the Speaker and the President are compelled to do their duty as subjects to the Constitution.

Mr Addo explained that “When it’s now a court order, you can’t refuse it because then when you refuse it, there’s a sanction attached to it. Remember that the president, if there’s an order, he cannot refuse the order.”

He told the host Samson Lardy Anyenini that because the Speaker and President Akufo-Addo on the advice of the Attorney General interpreted the laws differently “the compulsive nature of the order was what was going to change the dynamics now.”

Mr Addo stated that because Ghana is a democratic state, through the court and its interpretation of the law, clarity can be sought on issues like these.

The Accra High Court has turned down a request to compel President Akufo-Addo to receive the Anti-LGBTQ+ bill.

In his suit, the MP sought several declarations and orders regarding the powers of the President under the 1992 Constitution of Ghana.

Mr. Dafeamekpor, among other things, asked for a declaration that, according to Article 106(1) and (7) of the Constitution, a President can only assent to or refuse to assent to a bill within seven days, unless the bill has been referred to the Council of State.

He was also seeking a declaration that the President cannot prevent Parliament from transmitting a bill that has been passed to him.

Justice Ellen Mireku in her ruling, however, indicated that the Court has jurisdiction, but dismissed the application using her discretionary powers.

She noted that two suits filed by private citizens Prof Amanda Odoi and Richard Dela Sky had direct implications on the mandamus application and hence could not approve the reliefs being sought by the South Dayi Member of Parliament

Passage of Anti-LGBTQ Bill

Parliament passed the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, on Wednesday, February 28.

Among other things, the bill punishes those who take part in LGBTQ sexual acts, as well as those who promote the rights of gay, lesbian or other non-conventional sexual or gender identities with time in prison.

Although a section of the public have welcomed the bill, others including CHRAJ have raised many concerns including discrimination against people and their freedoms as stated in the constitution.

However, Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Sam George, says no part of the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill (Anti-LGBTQ Bill) infringes on the laws in the 1992 constitution.

Already, the Finance Ministry has advised President Akufo-Addo against signing it, expressing concerns that the country could face serious financial challenges if the president goes ahead to assent to the bill.

The ministry warned that Ghana could lose more than $3 billion in funding from the World Bank for various programmes and projects.

In response, President Akufo-Addo reassured the international community of Ghana’s commitment to upholding human rights despite the recent passage of the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, popularly known as the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill.

Addressing concerns during a diplomatic engagement, the President emphasised that Ghana remains steadfast in its long-standing reputation for respecting human rights and adherent to the rule of law.

He clarified that the Bill is facing a legal challenge at the Supreme Court and that until a decision is arrived at, no action would be taken by his government on the Private Member’s bill.

Desist and cease from transmitting the bill

Subsequently, the Office of the President in a letter dated March 18, 2024, requested Parliament to refrain from sending the anti-gay bill to President Akufo-Addo for his assent.

In the letter signed by the Secretary to the President, Nana Asante Bediatuo, the Presidency had explained that the decision stems from the acknowledgement of two pending applications for an order of interlocutory injunction before the Supreme Court.

The letter emphasised that it would be improper for Parliament to proceed with transmitting the Bill to President Akufo-Addo for any action until the matters before the court are addressed.

Furthermore, it was disclosed that the Attorney-General has advised the President against taking any action regarding the Bill until the issues raised in the legal suits are resolved by the Supreme Court.

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He said the Bill, popularly known as the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill, has been overwhelmingly endorsed by a majority of Ghanaians and there was no need for further delay.

“The whole Parliament of Ghana has unanimously passed this Bill, so more than 95 percent of Ghanaians are saying that we don’t want to promote this kind of life (LGBTQ+), what more clarity do we need?” he questioned.

Speaking on the passion of Jesus Christ as part of the celebration of Easter at the Sacred Heart Cathedral Parish, Bolgatanga, Most Rev. Agyenta said Pontius Pilate handed Jesus Christ over to be crucified even though he knew he was innocent.

He said it was fear that compelled Pilate to succumb to the demands of the high priests and those who wanted Jesus Christ to be crucified and urged the President not to succumb to “those voices probably convincing him against assenting to the Bill”.

“I have been wondering whether our President is not in the shoes of Pilate because he knows that the decision of Parliament is the mind of all Ghanaians and yet some people are telling him not to sign this bill because there will be consequences.”

He urged the President to assent to the Bill because the whole of Ghana was behind him.

On spirituality, the bishop explained that although the pursuit for money was good as it would help to undertake certain projects necessary for development, one should not prioritise material needs over spiritual growth.

He therefore warned Christians, particularly Catholics, to desist from placing monetary values on sacred items such as holy water and anointing oil.

“We all need money but you cannot put value on sacred things because the rule of the church is that the salvation of all is more important than anything we are able to do with money…”

He explained that the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ was a reminder for Christians to reflect and accept that they were sinners and ask for strength to desist from evil acts.

He vehemently opposes what he perceives as an imposition of LGBTQ+ rights on Ghanaian society.

In an interview on Adom FM’s morning show, Dwaso Nsem Wednesday, Mr. Anyidoho stated that he is not against the LGBTQ+ but believes individuals may require counseling.

“No one is against them, as some of them need counseling, but let’s not allow this imposition on us. You have rights and we have rights too, so allow us to function,” he said.

Mr. Anyidoho, also indicated that, his stance on the matter aligns with that of his late mentor, former President John Atta Mills.

He described Atta Mills’s position as forthright and decisive.

“My position is the same as my late boss, Atta Mills. Atta Mills was very forthright with the issue” Mr. Anyidoho added.

The former Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) also criticized President John Dramani Mahama for playing politics with the issue.

“Mahama left a lot of things hanging when he was President so I don’t understand why he is lambasting Akufo-Addo as far as the Bill is concerned,” he stated.

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Failure to enact the bill, according to the group, would constitute a violation of the rights of the majority of Ghanaians. They highlight potential scenarios where men, under the guise of transgender rights, might demand access to female washrooms, posing concerns for public safety and privacy.

“As Muslims, we shudder to think what will become of our mothers, wives, daughters and sisters if a heavily-bearded man insist, in the name of transgender rights, to use the female washroom in our mosques, markets, lorry stations and other public places. This will be an abuse of our rights too,” president of the Group, Dr. Abdul Samed Muntaka said in a statement issued on Friday.

The group also advocates for legal measures to curb the proliferation of LGBTQ+ issues in Ghanaian society, urging the President to sign the bill.

They say that the bill underwent an extensive process of consensus-building, involving input from economists, medical and legal professionals, sociologists, religious leaders, chiefs, and cultural figures. As a result, it is thorough and inclusive, capturing the perspectives of Ghanaians.

“More importantly, the bill provides for expert care, counseling and rehabilitation of LGBTQ people and criminalizes all extra-judicial attacks on persons known or suspected to belong to that group or found to be engaged in gay or lesbian practice. The Mosque and, we believe, the Church, are all ready to offer counseling support to those who sincerely wish to be helped out of the LGBTQ trap. We think this is more humane than the position of the LGBTQ rights advocates.”

Dr. Muntaka describes as an act of cruelty rather than compassion to encourage deviants to persist in defiance, despite the well-documented psycho-social, physical, and emotional distress associated with the LGBTQ lifestyle.

“More ominously, the normalization posture risks appealing to other unsuspecting people, including children, to adopt the clearly anti-social lifestyle.”

While applauding the passage of the bill, the Muslim Professionals Association raises serious reservations about efforts by certain groups to prevent the president from signing it into law. They cite warnings from the Ministry of Finance to the President, advising against assenting to the bill, purportedly due to concerns about potential losses in foreign aid and investment.

“We are disappointed with the position of the Ministry of Finance on the likely consequences of signing the bill into law. This posture is all the more unfortunate because it demonstrates a dependency syndrome from the institution that is supposed to provide solutions to our overdependence on foreign handouts. It betrays a lack of conviction on the part of the Ministry that the Ghana beyond Aid agenda is realistic and worth pursuing,” Dr Muntaka stated.

The Muslim Professionals Association is urging all 2024 presidential candidates to publicly express their support for the bill, commit to its enforcement upon enactment into law, or endorse it in the unlikely event that the current Administration fails to do so.

In a recent interview, the singer-songwriter explained that, she got bad feedback after commenting on such issues.

Mrs. Donkor expressed desire to speak out on political and LGBTQ-related issues, but cited concerns about potential backlash if her opinions do not align with society.

She said to avoid trouble, musicians are now focusing on their craft to entertain their fans.

“As you have decided to share your opinion on issues of politics or LGBTQ, before you realize, some people will say you’re a musician, so you have to shut up and focus on your music career,” she explained.

“By the grace of God, we are focusing our attention solely on the music that we are doing for now,” she concluded.

Despite the Bill’s passage, the President reassured the international community of Ghana’s commitment to human rights.

During a diplomatic engagement, he reiterated Ghana’s reputation for respecting human rights and the rule of law, clarifying that the bill is facing a legal challenge at the Supreme Court and no action would be taken until a decision is reached.

However, a communications team member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) questioned the President’s stance on the Bill.

He could not fathom why the President would mention human rights after the Bill was passed in Parliament.

“If you don’t sign, you have signed your death warrant. The NDC will ensure that the NPP government goes into opposition” he warned in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Tuesday.

Lawyer Twum Barima accused the government of neglecting Ghana’s moral values and questioned the President’s reasoning for citing human rights.

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Disagreeing with the notion that Western nations are imposing the LGBTQ agenda on Ghanaians, he argued that such claims lacked merit. 

Speaking in a recent interview on Angel FM, he countered the prevailing belief, suggesting that Ghana’s resistance and hatred for homosexuality arise from misinformation than a genuine understanding of the LGBTQ community. 

His reaction comes amidst the recent passing of the Promotion of Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, also known as the Anti-Gay Bill, by the Ghanaian Parliament on February 28, 2024

According to the ‘Human Being’ singer, portraying LGBTQ rights as foreign interference is inaccurate.

He highlighted that even in the United States, where same-sex marriage is legal in some states, it remains a contentious issue in other states.

“No country is pushing the LGBTQ agenda onto Ghana. Even in America, it’s not universally legalized; only certain states have done so, while others are still considering it.

“In Europe, where it’s legal, there haven’t been reports of violence among same-sex partners,” he stated.

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In her view, the former President’s is hiding behind religion just to win votes of the masses.

Politicians ride on the wave of homophobia and transphobia to get the masses who are brainwashed with religion to vote for them” the musician wrote.

Mr. Mahama while speaking at an open forum with clergymen in Koforidua as part of his ‘Building Ghana Tour’ of the Eastern region on Wednesday, January 31, 2024 explained that, as a member of the Assemblies of God Church, he does not support to the activities of the LGBTQ community.

He was quick to add that, he is against discrimination and attacks of homosexuals in Ghana.

Reacting to this in a post on social media, Sister Derby said Mr. Mahama might be shooting himself in the foot.

She claimed politicians often choose their words carefully because they have acquaintances and business partners who are part of the LGBTQ community thus the former President should have done same.

Sister Derby said the LGBTQ community is not seeking a blessing of their union but rather basic human rights including the right to live peacefully.

She wrote,

“Our politicians always choose their words carefully because they all have acquaintances and business partners who are queer so they would never say they are against LGBTQ people but they would rather say carefully that they are against marriage between persons of the same sex.

They know that not all nations approve marriage of same sex so they fall on that reason.
LGBTQ persons in Ghana NEVER asked for marriage. They only ask for basic human rights and to be left in peace.

Politicians ride on the wave of homophobia and transphobia to get the masses who are brainwashed with religion to vote for them. But who religion epp?”

Osaagyefo Oseadeeyo Dr Agyemang Badu II, Dormaahene, has proposed that all who intend to seek election to any political office during the 2024 general election should be made to declare their stance on the controversial LGBTQ+ phenomenon.

Such a declaration, he believes, will help the electorate better determine who is fit enough to be voted into office.

In the meantime, Osaagyefo Agyemang Badu wants President Nana Akufo-Addo to speak more clearly on the taboo subject and to reaffirm the Ghanaian position that lesbian and gay marriages are not accepted in Ghanaian customs and practices.

The Dormaahene, who doubles as the President of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs, reiterated that Ghanaians will never accept same-sex marriage and that sponsors of such an abomination need to be told so in plain language.

Osaagyefo Agyemang Badu was speaking to the chiefs and people of Dormaa during a clean-up exercise at Dormaa Ahenkro, and according to Adom News’ Bono regional reporter, Christian Ofori Kumah, the message received great applause by the people.

Osaagyefo Agyemang Badu maintained that the practice will never be accepted, and its sponsors may as well keep their money.

He said no section of the Ghanaian society; be they chiefs, traditionalists, Christians, Muslims- no one accepts the practice and that this is not going to change today or tomorrow.

He vowed to lead a protest against the president, his vice, and any minister or parliamentarian who declares support for LGBTQ+, with the view to getting them out of office.

He said he was aware that chiefs are stopped from dabbling in partisan politics but he will descend into politics if need be, to defend the ‘non-negotiable’ national position.

Osaagyefo Agyemang Badu said leaders must not speak contrary to the desires of their people, they must echo the people’s voice.

He called on Parliament, especially Speaker Alban Bagbin, not to subject voting on the matter to any secret voting but make it open so each member’s position will be clear to all.

In the five years up to 2021, at least $5 million in aid from Europe and the US went to projects run by or benefiting churches in Ghana whose leaders have backed this bill and have a long track-record of anti-LGBTQI+ statements and activities, according to CNN’s analysis of financial data and communication with the donors.

There is no indication the funding identified went to any explicitly anti-LGBTQI+ activities. However, these religious organizations are now pushing for the anti-LGBTQI+ bill, introduced last year and officially known as the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, to be made law.

In one instance, CNN’s analysis revealed that more than $140,000 of UK and US taxpayers’ money in 2018-2020 went to the Christian Council of Ghana (CCG), an association of 29 churches and Christian organizations, which in 2020 said: “As we indicated in times past, our cultural norms and religious values as a nation do not support LGBTQ rights.”

During that same period, the UK became co-chair of the international Equal Rights Coalition to “protect the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) people” and promote “inclusive development” worldwide.

CNN’s analysis also found that some other members of the Equal Rights Coalition — the US, Germany, and Italy — have funded projects by or for churches in Ghana that have similarly opposed LGBTQI+ rights before, during, and after they benefited from aid money.

CNN exposes how US and European aid benefited churches that oppose LGBTQI+ rights 

Human rights advocates called Western donors’ funding practices exposed by CNN “surprising” and “inconsistent.”

“It’s like stating you’re going to go green and then funding the petrol industry,” said Neil Datta, executive director of the European Parliamentary Forum on Sexual and Reproductive Rights.

Donor agencies need to be “more aware that sexual and reproductive rights are contested issues”, and make sure that “they are not inadvertently funding the organizations who are working against some of their other objectives,” he said, calling for stricter “background checks” on potential grantees.

“This reveals inconsistencies in the funding practices of major donors and implicates them as complicit in fostering homophobia and transphobia in Ghana,” said Caroline Koussaiman, executive director of the Initiative Sankofa d’Afrique de l’Ouest (ISDAO), an activist-led fund supporting gender diversity and sexual rights in West Africa. “This is the antithesis of “do no harm” principles.”

“We need donors to support our struggles for liberation, and not directly or indirectly fund anti-gender movements which we know are extremely well resourced,” she added.

Western aid flowed into Ghana despite years of campaigning against LGBTQI+ rights

When presented with the findings of CNN’s analysis, donors whose aid went to projects for or by religious organizations that oppose LGBTQI+ rights said that all such support stopped before the legislation was proposed, or that the funding was given under now-outdated guidelines. Details provided at the bottom of the story.

Yet the CCG, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference and other Christian and Muslim opponents of LGBTQI+ rights are reportedly members of the National Coalition for Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values — an advocacy group founded in 2013, that has vocally pushed for such legislation for years.

Its spokesperson, Moses Foh-Amoaning, in 2018 — a period covered by the data CNN reviewed — told local media that the coalition was working on “a comprehensive solution-based… legislative framework for addressing the LGBT problem.”

That same year, its members launched “a three-day fasting and prayer session against homosexuality”, and reportedly organized a camp at an undisclosed location to “treat” and “cure” hundreds of gay people in Ghana.

Also in 2018: £100,000 (about $130,000) of the UK taxpayers’ money went to the CCG with a stated goal of fighting corruption in schools, according to details the UK published in the International Aid Transparency Initiative (IATI) data standard. This was a fraction of a large government fund to support civil society in Ghana, which was managed by a UK charity Christian Aid and that ended in 2020. (It is typical for development assistance to be disbursed by donor governments to for- and non-profit organizations which act as intermediaries, redistributing aid to their partners in recipient countries.)

The US federal government sent more than $13,000 to the CCG in January 2020, IATI records show, for a project to provide shelters to refugees at Krisan Camp in southwestern Ghana.

2016–2020: Anti-LGBTQI+ churches in Ghana benefited from millions in Western aid

Despite pledges to protect the rights of sexual and gender minorities, US and European donors spent at least $5.1 million of taxpayers’ money on projects run by or benefiting Ghanaian religious organizations whose leaders have campaigned against LGBTQI+ rights.

In addition, 208,000 euros (about $245,000) of German aid money went to the CCG between 2014 and 2018, via an intermediary called Brot für die Welt, a spokesperson for the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development told CNN. Government funding ended in May 2018, but Brot für die Welt continued cooperation with the CCG for almost three more years — until another anti-LGBTQI+ statement to the press in February 2021 that “clearly positioned the CCG against LGBTQI+”, according to CNN’s communication with the spokesperson.

German as well as Italian aid also went to development projects run by or benefiting some individual CCG member churches that have spoken against LGBTQI+ rights, CNN has identified.

Projects of Ghana’s Methodist, Evangelical Presbyterian, and Presbyterian churches received at least $670,000 from these countries via intermediary religious NGOs between 2016 and 2020, according to the most recent available aid data from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), corroborated by correspondence with the donor countries.

During that same period, an Evangelical Presbyterian church’s director told local media that his church would continue to be loud and clear in condemning “attempts…to encourage homosexuality”. “No amount of aid promised by the developed world should make Ghana adopt that abominable act,” he said.

Germany, Italy, and the US have also funded projects by or benefiting the Ghanaian Catholic Church.

German Catholic intermediary NGO, Misereor, disclosed spending 2.8 million euros ($3.1 million) of German taxpayers’ money on projects by the Catholic Church’s partner organizations in Ghana between 2016 and 2020. This included $127,000 that was spent on a project with a broad goal of strengthening strategy and management standards for the churches’ development work.

Aid benefiting Ghana’s Catholic Church also included $850,000 from the US. Between 2019 and 2020 this money went to Ghanaian and US contractors for a project whose goal was to transition several dioceses of the Church to solar power, as confirmed by the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA).

Yet, during that period, the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference issued a joint statement with the CCG opposing same-sex unions. In 2019, the president of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference called being LGBTQI+ “a lifestyle that is against universal natural values and, certainly, against Ghanaian cultural and moral values.” He urged the country’s president to block the introduction of “evil agenda” in schools, meaning comprehensive sex education including teachings about LGBTQI+ rights. CNN attempted to reach Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference several times for the written story and received no response. To the request for television interview, CNN was informed that “the President is the official spokesperson of the Conference,” but that he would “not be available to grant the interview.”

The CCG and none of the churches in this story responded to CNN’s multiple requests for comment. The spokesperson for the National Coalition for Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values, Foh-Amoaning, also declined to answer questions.

Criminalizing same-sex relationships in Ghana

Same-sex relationships were first criminalized in Ghana in the 19th century under British colonial rule. In 2018, the UK prime minister at the time, Theresa May, apologized for such laws, saying “they were wrong then, and they are wrong now.”

In 1960, homosexual acts were made illegal in Ghana’s first, post-independence criminal code, which replaced colonial-era laws but was still influenced by them. This part of the law, however, was rarely enforced.

In its current form, the new bill, brought forth by eight MPs in July 2021, proposes to criminalize not only same-sex sexual relationships and marriages but also identifying as LGBTQI+, promoting and funding of LGBTQI+ groups, and public debate or education on sexual orientation and gender identity. In addition, if the bill were to pass, it would impose medical “assistance” on persons questioning their sexuality, and on intersex children.

The bill drew sharp local and international criticism. Soon after it came before Ghana’s parliament, UN human rights experts called it “a recipe for conflict and violence” that would mandate “deeply harmful practices that amount to ill-treatment and are conducive to torture”, including “corrective rape” for women.

A global LGBTQI+ rights group OutRight Action International recently warned that the bill “goes much further” than any anti-LGBTQI+ law “anywhere in the world.”

The organization said the bill has “contributed to an increasingly hostile climate” and cited “mob attacks, physical violence, arbitrary arrests, blackmail and online harassment, verbal harassment, gang rape” and other abuses reported by LGBTQI+ Ghanaians.

Ghana’s parliament in session.

Leila Yahaya, executive director of queer Muslim organization, One Love Sisters Ghana, told CNN how police raided the paralegal training session her group had organized for activists in the city of Ho, leading to the arrest of 21 people, including herself.

The activists were charged with unlawful assembly and detained for over three weeks, until the case was dismissed for lack of evidence.

Many of those arrested lost their jobs and were ostracized by family members as a result, said Yahaya who received a death threat and was told she needed “a real man” in her life on social media. “I didn’t talk to anybody for more than six months. I was still in my shell trying to recover and pick up the pieces of my life,” she said.

Yahaya told CNN she felt the introduction of the anti-LGBTQI+ bill was “trying to erase” her “whole existence as a human being.”

“Your whole life is full of question marks. What if it’s passed? What if it’s not?” Yahaya said, adding she particularly fears for fellow queer people who may not know their rights as citizens or how to keep themselves safe.

Another LGBTQI+ activist who received threats for his work is Abdul-Wadud Mohammed, communications director at LGBT+ Rights Ghana.

In January 2021, his organization had opened an LGBTQI+ community center in Accra but after just a month in operation it was raided by Ghanaian security forces and shut down following calls from religious leaders, including the CCG and Catholic bishops, for this to happen.

Mohammed said he had to go into hiding for several months to avoid persecution, moving from one house to another with a group of fellow activists until he moved abroad to study.

Why do Ghanaian churches get foreign aid?

While Ghana is a nominally secular country, faith-based organizations wield significant influence on life and politics.

With about 71% of Ghana’s population identifying as Christian, churches are “in every village,” so international development and humanitarian organizations have long recognized the need to work with religious groups. Ghana’s president Nana Akufo-Addo himself acknowledged in a 2018 speech that “the church can be very influential in Ghana” — he then sought to reassure church leaders that his office had “no authority” to allow same-sex marriages.

We must acknowledge that “over the years, many mission churches and African indigenous churches have been involved in development work, such as building primary schools, developing wells, formal and informal education, hospitals and clinics,” professor of gender studies and African studies at the University of Ghana, Akosua Adomako Ampofo, told CNN.

She added that while it is not fair to paint all churches with a broad brush, some have adopted a more restricted understanding of gender and sexuality, which she sees as problematic.

“Within churches, some people’s understanding of the Gospel seems to have led them to believe that if there is a disagreement between the way they understand Christianity and other people’s lives then they have the right to impose their view because they see that as the right view.”

LGBT+ Rights Ghana communications director Mohammed echoed this view, telling CNN: “I understand why they [churches] are getting this money. Donors expect results — and one of the entities that can show results is the church because they are seen as people that are helping the community.”

“It becomes disturbing when this very same aid can be used [indirectly] against marginalized communities,” Mohammed added.

‘I’m mad because these churches are not hiding the fact that they are homophobic’

Asibi (a pseudonym is used to protect her identity) has experienced firsthand the “increasingly hostile climate” members of Ghana’s LGBTQI+ community face.

She had been volunteering to help set up the LGBTQI+ community center in Accra before it was raided. Local TV channels broadcast videos from the center’s YouTube page, and Asibi believes that visibility put her at risk.

According to the 25-year-old, she suspects that a family member took screenshots of her social media accounts — which she used to connect with the queer community — and shared them with other family members. Some relatives then called her mother. At this point, Asibi, who is estranged from her family, began to worry.

One night in her studio flat, she thought that she could hear someone trying to open a window from the outside. The next day, a neighbor told her that a man — who she suspects was a family member — had come by with four others. Asibi immediately went inside, packed a bag, and left her neighborhood. She stayed with different friends for months, until she got a visa and fled the country.

There are many others with stories of intimidation or violence who didn’t want to go on the record. And yet, churches continue to push for harsher treatment by the law. Earlier this year, for example, a Presbyterian Church representative reportedly told a parliamentary hearing on the bill that the current criminal code is inadequate and called for a minimum of three years in jail for “any offense committed under the bill” to serve as deterrent “for people who harbor similar intent.”

“I am mad because these churches are not hiding the fact that they are homophobic,” Asibi told CNN. “I don’t get the justification for funding churches. It further erodes my trust that these international bodies are truly interested in safeguarding the rights of marginalized groups in Ghana.”

What Western donors had to say

When presented with CNN’s findings, a spokesperson for Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) told CNN that the country is aware of “the human rights situation of LGBTQI+ persons in Ghana” and that its intermediary NGOs do not support any projects which endanger the rights of LGBTQI+ communities. These intermediaries, the spokesperson added, are now “seeking to distance themselves from statements made and opinions expressed by the Christian Council of Ghana [CCG].”

However, CNN learned that the NGO intermediary, Brot für die Welt, continues to support projects run by individual CCG members. Those projects are: a three-year grant worth €320,00 for the Methodist Agricultural Program, approved in 2021; a vocational training program by the Presbyterian Church of Ghana which received €460,000 last year; and a three-year €295,000 grant for a health education project by The Salvation Army.

For its part, German intermediary organization, Misereor, continues to use public money to support projects run by or benefitting the Catholic Church in Ghana.

A spokesperson for Brot für die Welt told CNN the organization “strives to engage in constant dialog with local churches” on human rights. “BfdW is aware of some churches conservative and outdated attitude and very much concerned about the discriminating actions in which it sometimes manifests itself,” the spokesperson said.

“Misereor does not support projects that oppose LGBTQ rights in Ghana,” its spokesperson said. “In our internal dialogue with actors in the Church of Ghana, we raise the issue and call for the indiscriminate observance of human rights for all people.”

“Major donors complicit in fostering homophobia and transphobia in Ghana'”Caroline Koussaiman, executive director of the Initiative Sankofa d’Afrique de l’Ouest

Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation told CNN it “is not responsible for the use of these [identified] funds”, saying they go directly from people’s taxes to different religious organizations that distribute the money for development work. The two religious institutions the ministry said sent some of this money to Ghanaian churches, Conferenza Episcopale Italiana and Tavola Valdese, did not respond to CNN’s requests for comment.

The US Trade and Development Agency, which allocated funds to the solar power project benefiting the Catholic church in 2019 and 2020, said: “Legislative and executive branch regulations in place at the time of USTDA’s grant activity would not have prohibited funding by reason of the statements [opposing LGBTQI+ rights] that you provided.”

“We urge Ghana to uphold constitutional protections and to adhere to Ghana’s international human rights obligations and commitments with regard to all individuals, including members of the LGBTQI+ community,” said a spokesperson for the US State Department, which is the agency accountable for the grant the US provided to the CCG. “US government assistance is intended to improve the lives of all Ghanaians, without discrimination.”

A spokesperson for the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO, formerly Department for International Development) told CNN: “The UK has long been at the forefront of promoting LGBT+ rights internationally and we have regularly raised our concerns about the Family Values Bill with the Ghanaian authorities.”

A spokesperson for Christian Aid, the charity that managed UK aid to the CCG, said it is no longer active in Ghana, adding it “takes seriously” its work to promote equality and helps tackle discrimination against LGBTQI+ communities in various countries.

Earlier this year, the UK acknowledged human rights abuses toward gender and sexual minorities in Ghana in a detailed report on the matter for Home Office decision-makers evaluating related asylum claims.

If the proposed bill passes, many LGBTQI+ Ghanaians and their allies would be left with no choice but to try and flee the country.

How CNN reported this story

For this story, CNN first identified churches and church organizations in Ghana that have published anti-LGBTQI+ statements or made such statements to local media — the CCG, its member churches as well as the Catholic church (our list may be incomplete due to an extensive number of religious groups in the country).

We then examined the latest available aid-spending data for Ghana (2016 to 2020) for any mentions of these organizations.

We used two sources for aid data. Donors report their spending annually to the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC). This data is inflation-adjusted and accessible via what is called the Creditor Reporting System (CRS).

Most aid donors and some aid recipients and intermediary organizations also publish details of aid spending in the International Aid Transparency Initiative (IATI) data standard. This data can be downloaded using the online IATI Country Development Finance Data tool, while more details about funding can be found on the d-portal website, an open source platform to explore IATI data.

In the timeframe we examined, OECD data returned mentions of the Methodist, Presbyterian, Evangelical Presbyterian as well as Catholic Churches, in the description section for several projects funded by Germany, Italy and the US. Meanwhile, the CCG appeared in the IATI data, with one project funded by the UK and another by the US.

CNN also gathered evidence of pledges by Western donors to protect LGBTQI+ rights globally before, during, and after these transfers of aid money.

We presented our findings to the relevant authorities and intermediaries in the donor countries and in some cases were able to clarify the value, purpose and timeframes of these projects with them. We also received new disclosures from Germany of funding not picked up in our analysis (with somewhat expanded timeframe).

After categorizing these records as well as the information provided by the authorities and intermediaries, we totaled the amounts of aid money spent on these projects, by relevant church and by donor. All currency conversions are to January 2020 dollars.

It is possible that the CCG and the named churches, as well as the projects they run or are involved in, have benefited from other international aid flows that CNN hasn’t identified (hence the use of ‘at least’ throughout the story). Our analysis is likely limited by limited transparency in aid spending.

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US officials there had posted a rainbow flag and message of solidarity from President Joe Biden for Pride month.

But Kuwait officials criticised the embassy for “supporting homosexuality” and demanded it didn’t happen again.

Rights for LGBT people are severely restricted in Kuwait and it is illegal there for men to be gay.

In a pair of tweets published in English and Arabic on Thursday, the US Embassy in Kuwait quoted President Biden as saying all humans “should be able to live without fear no matter who they are or whom they love”.

The post, published to mark the beginning of Pride Month, appeared with a picture of a rainbow flag symbolising LGBT rights.

“All human beings should be treated with respect and dignity and should be able to live without fear no matter who they are or whom they love.” @POTUS is a champion for the human rights of #LGBTQI persons. #Pride2022 #YouAreIncluded pic.twitter.com/gdPPBDlHZH

— U.S. Embassy Kuwait (@USEmbassyQ8) June 2, 2022

Hours later, Kuwait’s Foreign Ministry said it rejected what had been published and had summoned the US Charges d’Affaires James Holtsnider to hand him a memorandum condemning the posts.

According to its statement, the Foreign Ministry ordered the embassy to respect Kuwaiti laws and “not to publish such tweets”.

Kuwaiti officials accused the embassy of violating international conventions requiring diplomats to “respect the laws and regulations of the receiving state”.

Many conservative Kuwaiti Twitter users responded with similar outrage to the US embassy’s Pride post, including MP Osama Al-Shaheen who wrote: “The behaviour of the American embassy is unacceptable.”

“Foreign embassies must respect the public order of Kuwait and its official religion,” he added.

Another Kuwaiti social media user accused US officials of “imposing a diseased and decadent culture on our conservative Muslim society”.

Rights for LGBT people are extremely limited in socially conservative Kuwait – one of 69 countries in the world where being gay is criminalised.

According to the Gulf state’s penal code, men who have same-sex relations can be punished by up to seven years in prison.

Until this year, it was a criminal offence in Kuwait to be a trans person. A court has now overturned the law as unconstitutional.

The US State Department is yet to respond from an emailed request from the BBC for comment.

His public stance, made while in active service, unleashed a storm of repercussions that forced him to abandon both his career and his home in a country where such advocacy is increasingly perilous.

Alfred, 36, used his position as a security operative to call for equality and an end to discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals—an uncommon act of defiance in Ghana’s conservative landscape. The broadcast went viral, earning thousands of likes and international support, but also igniting fury in his Pokuase community.

Neighbors and colleagues branded him a “promoter of immorality,” with some accusing him of being gay—a dangerous label in a country where same-sex acts are criminalized under Section 104(1)(b) of the Criminal Code, carrying a penalty of up to three years in prison.

The fallout was swift. By June 2022, Alfred’s employers at the National Security Secretariat launched an investigation, setting up a committee to probe his “unacceptable conduct.”

He was subsequently demoted, had his salary cut, and faced intense pressure to retract his statements. “I was ostracized at work and couldn’t walk safely in Pokuase,” Alfred told human rights advocates.

By August, threats from community members escalated, forcing him to flee. He relocated to Gomoa Fetteh and took a low-profile job at a resort, hoping to escape attention.

But in early 2023, a coworker recognized him from the viral video and threatened to expose him to police. Fearing arrest under Ghana’s tightening anti-LGBTQ+ laws, he went into hiding with the help of his family.

His fears were compounded as Parliament debated the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, which seeks to criminalize LGBTQ+ advocacy with penalties of up to five years in prison.

Though not yet signed into law, the bill—already upheld by the Supreme Court—has intensified public hostility, with Afrobarometer surveys showing 93% of Ghanaians oppose LGBTQ+ rights.

Alfred’s Instagram Live, which he described as part of his duty to protect all citizens, has left him jobless, displaced, and living in fear. “I spoke out because it was right, not to become a fugitive,” he said through Rightify Ghana, an NGO amplifying his case.

While his story has received little attention in Ghanaian media, it has drawn calls from international activists for protection—highlighting the steep cost of challenging the status quo as a state operative in Ghana.

The chiefs, imams, and opinion leaders say the act does not represent the true tenets of Muslims and therefore could have great negative impacts on future generations.

They have issued stern warnings to homosexuals to desist from the acts or they will be dealt with the appropriate sanctions. 

In their view, a swift passage of the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill would help address their concerns and compel homosexuals to change.

Speaking at a stakeholder consultative forum at the Kumasi Central Mosque, organized by Windows of Hope Empowerment Foundation, the Chief of Fulani Community in the Ashanti region described the cases of homosexuality in the Zongo Communities as disturbing and devilish.

Usman Bin Ahmed explained that the cases of HIV/AIDS, according to reports, are increasing owing to the practice of homosexuality and lesbianism.

He, therefore, called on members of Parliament to ensure the passage of the Bill.

He also expressed worry about the spate of nefarious activities like drug abuse, violence among others in Zongo Communities as he fears may further ruin the gains made over the last few years.

He has urged the youth to collectively tackle issues that are important to their growth.

The stakeholder’ forum was necessary to find solutions to the menace in the Zongo Communities.

Executive Director of Windows of Hope and Empowerment Foundation, Harris Umar, said a number of disturbing videos and pictures have been intercepted by the Foundation.

Mr. Umar indicated that Zongo Communities are vulnerable to practices of LGBTQ+ due to poverty.

According to him, many youths may venture into the act because of financial constraints so it was necessary to begin engaging them to immediately curb the spread of the menace.

Mr. Umar said although they are optimistic about the passage of the LGBTQ+ Bill, there’s the need to start enlightening the youth to curtail the wild spread of the act even before the Bill is considered.

Moshie Chief in the Ashanti region, Ibrahim Abdul Rahman Adam, on his part intimated that his community will embark on a demonstration if the bill is not passed.

The chiefs and Imams, together with the Assembly members in the Zongo communities made a solemn pledge to partner with all stakeholders to end homosexuality in Zongo communities.

Using himself as a reference, the artiste, born George Kwabena Adu, said he can never be attracted to a person of the same sex.

His remarks come at a time when the conversation surrounding the minority sexual community has heightened, especially as members are demanding the legalisation of their activities.

In recent times, Ghanaians have also suggested Kwabena Kwabena was gay after he adopted a lifestyle of wearing petite shorts and nail polish.

Debunking such claims in an interview with Lexis Bill on Joy Drive, he categorically stated that he is only attracted to women.

He added that nothing in this world can ever make him look at a man in a sexual light.

“I am a man and I am attracted to women. I can never be attracted to another man. It is not something within my DNA,’’ he reiterated.

To him, sexuality is a matter of hormonal and genetic engineering.

“I don’t know how people take sexuality, as for me I see sexuality to be hormonal and genetic, if anybody has a form of attraction that’s the person. Me I’m hormonal and I am attracted to a woman,’’ he said.

He again argued that the continuous conversation and debating on LGBTQ+ activities is rather promoting their activities in the country.

“Continuous discussing on LGBTQ+ issues rather promote the agenda as against the general societal disapproval of it,” he added.

He was quick to add that he does not find anything wrong with individual decisions on the matter.

Somizi was expected to be in the country on November 4 as a guest chef for the reopening of a leading restaurant in Zimbabwe which will be hosting big international artsites such as Nigeria’s P-Square duo, Sean Paul and Brick & Lace.

The Apostolic Christian Council of Zimbabwe wrote a letter to the President’s Office voicing its disapproval and to stop Mhlongo from coming to the country.

“Somizi is a homosexual, hence according to our people’s driven constitution, Zimbabwe doesn’t tolerate homosexuality. If we allow Somizi to come to our land, spiritually we would have disturbed a lot, and physically we would have openly accepted homosexuality in Zimbabwe hence affecting our children. This move will also affect our revolutionary party Zanu-PF by disturbing the 5 million votes win needed in the next 2023 harmonised elections for it is publicly known that our party strongly stands against homosexuality,” said the council.

Homosexuality is illegal in Zimbabwe and most of the lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender (LGBTQI+) communities have to conceal their sexual identity. And this group of people remains marginalised. 

In the latest developments, Zanu-PF Youth League announced Somizi will no longer visit Zimbabwe for the event. In a statement, Zanu-PF acting deputy secretary for youth affairs Tendai Chirau said he has engaged the restaurant owners to stop the former Idols SA judge’s visit.

Somizi has since responded on social media. Taking to Instagram with a video, Somizi said he was sad that his visit was cancelled and it showed that there was a long way to go for the LGBTQI+ community in Zimbabwe.

“This is not the first time this has happened to me. I’m OK with it but I’m not OK with it at the same time.

“I will not stop speaking on behalf of the voiceless and on behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves. I will advocate for that and if it means I should die for it, so be it. But it sad, very sad and I hope things get better.

“What you are doing — being homophobic — is no different with anyone who is xenophobic and racist,” Somizi said.

To him, it is an indictment of character and intelligence for a man to decide to be addressed as a woman.

“It is an insult to me to see someone who is a man, who I grew up with and now wants me to address him as a woman,” he stated.

Prophet Anokye said Christians are not supporting the Anti-LGBTQ+ bill as they should because everyone is afraid to pioneer the conversation.

“If you are a church, be bold and stand by him. Don’t look at somebody before you make a decision because you don’t accept Jesus just because someone else accepted Him,” he cautioned.

He admonished Christians to add their voices in support of the Anti- LGBTQ+ bill or forever hold their peace.

“For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your Royal position for such a time like this,” he referenced.

He went on to explain that Ministers, MPs, are placed in parliament by God for a purpose and it is high time they defended and protected what the society stands for and the moral laws of the land.

He said the legislators would be judged if they followed the money and selfish interest.

“You will be judged, God will judge you, you will be judged strictly, you will spend eternity in hell, your body will be eaten by the worms of hell,” he proclaimed.

He added that it’s absurd for a man or woman to marry a dog and urged Christian leaders in society to wake up and defend the Anti- LGBTQ+ bill.

ILGA World 2020 report has revealed 69 UN member states still criminalise consensual same-sex marriage among adults.

According to the group, 67 of these countries have criminalised LGBTQI+ activities by explicit law provisions, while the other two are de facto.

The report also revealed 34 UN Member States provide some partnership recognition for same-sex couples, as Monaco and Montenegro have voted to recognise them legally during the past 12 months.

“As of December 2020, 81 UN Member States have laws protecting from discrimination in the workplace based on sexual orientation: 20 years ago, they were only 15,” the report stated.

The report further indicated that “in July 2020 Sudan repealed the death penalty on consensual same-sex sexual acts. In addition, Germany has now become one of the four UN Member States which banned ‘conversion therapies’ at the national level, and more jurisdictions in Australia, Canada, Mexico, and the United States followed suit”.

According to the Director of Programs at ILGA World, Julia Ehrt, this publication will be a “vital source of information for human rights defenders, States, researchers, media and the general public on how laws affect people on the grounds of their sexual orientation.”

Below are some key findings of the report:

Criminalisation of consensual same-sex sexual acts

• 69 UN Member States still criminalise consensual same-sex sexual acts between adults (67 by explicit provisions of law, 2 de facto). 
• In 6 UN member States, the death penalty is the legally prescribed punishment for consensual same-sex sexual acts: Brunei, Iran, Mauritania, Nigeria (12 Northern states only), Saudi Arabia and Yemen.

Restriction of rights

• At least 42 UN member States have legal barriers to freedom of expression on sexual orientation and gender identity issues.
• At least 51 UN member States have legal barriers to the formation, establishment or registration of NGOs working on issues related sexual and gender diversity.

Protection from discrimination

• 11 UN member States contain constitutional provisions that specify sexual orientation in their anti-discrimination protections.
• 57 UN member States offer broad protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation – including in education, health, the provision of goods and services and/or housing.
• 81 UN member States have laws protecting from workplace discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
• 48 UN member States impose enhanced criminal penalties for offences motivated by hate towards the victim’s sexual orientation.
• 45 UN member States have laws that punish acts of incitement to hatred, discrimination or violence based on sexual orientation.
• 4 UN member States (Brazil, Ecuador, Germany, Malta) have nationwide bans against “conversion therapies”.  There are subnational bans in 5 other UN member States: Australia, Canada, Mexico, Spain, United States.

Recognition of rainbow families

• 28 UN member States recognise same-sex marriage. One non-UN member jurisdiction (Taiwan) has also legalised same-sex marriage.
• 34 UN member States provide for some partnership recognition.
• 28 States have joint adoption laws, while 32 States allow for same-sex second parent adoption.

The bill is being pushed by nine Members of Parliament as private members legislation, demanding tougher action to halt or control the prevalence of LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana.

Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the Apostolic Church’s ongoing Ascension Ministers’ Conference in Accra, Rev. Dr Ami-Narh defended the decision of the church to back the bill.

“From what I’ve heard people say in town, that the churches hate people who have different sexual preferences. We don’t hate anyone. On the contrary, I believe that the church is showing a lot of love and the church is showing a lot of understanding.

“We believe that no one can be blamed for how he or she feels…we are not blaming anyone for how you feel. No one can punish anyone for how that person feels because you’re not directly responsible for your feelings. But you are responsible for what you do with your feelings”

Rev. Dr Ami-Narh also took on representatives of some pro-LGBTQ+ countries who’re pushing for the acceptance of the practice in the country.

“We’re not against anyone’s rights. We want to protect our nation and ask ourselves, what is safe for this nation? What is right in the sight of God? We want to preserve our culture. We are an independent nation and we must preserve our independence. We shouldn’t allow other nations to come and dictate to us.

“What they believe is good for them they can practice it, let’s also practice what is good for us, and at the end of the day, I believe that Ghana will win and Ghana will be a better place.”

He, therefore, Invited members of the LGBTQ+ community who need help to approach the Apostolic Church for help in dealing with their situation.

“The arms of the church are open, anyone who has such an issue, if you approach the church, if you approach the coalition, there will be help for you. We don’t hate you,” he added.

Parliament is currently considering a private members bill, titled, The Promotion of Proper Sexual Right and Ghanaian Family Values, presented by nine MPs.

Among others, the bill prescribes sanctions, including jail terms for persons who advocate for LGBTQ+ persons in Ghana.

The first reading of the bill took place on August 2, 2021, and its consideration is expected to resume in October 2021.

“The draft legislation argues that any person who deviates from an arbitrary standard of sexual orientation or gender identity is immediately to be considered dangerous, sick or anti-social,” said the experts in a statement. “Such laws are a textbook example of discrimination.

“The proposed law promotes deeply harmful practices that amount to ill-treatment and are conducive to torture, such as so-called ‘conversion therapy’ and other heinous violations like unecessary medical procedures on intersex children, and so-called corrective rape for women,” they added.

The independent experts, appointed by the Human Rights Council, presented an analysis of the draft bill to the Ghanaian Government, concluding that adopting the legislation in its current or any partial form would be tantamount to a violation of a number of human rights standards, including the absolute prohibition of torture.

“For example, attempts to prevent human rights defenders from organising themselves to defend LGBTI people, and the absolute prohibition of public debate on sexual orientation and gender identity, raises grave concerns about rights to freedom of opinion and expression, and of association,” the statement said.

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“Moreover, the bill in question would essentially legitimise the above instances of violence against LBTI women and reinforce existing gender stereotypes and discrimination against women, which are both cause and consequence of violence against women and girls.

“The consideration of this legislation is deeply perplexing in a country that has been regarded as a champion of democracy in Africa, with an impressive record of achieving certain Millennium Development Goals by 2015,” they said. They cited specific concerns about the MDG goals on health, education, employment, housing and gender justice.

“The draft legislation appears to be the result of a deep loathing toward the LGBTI community. It will not only criminalise LGBTI people, but anyone who supports their human rights, shows sympathy to them or is even remotely associated with them.

“Given that LGBTI people are present in every family and every community it is not very difficult to imagine how, if it were to be adopted, this legislation could create a recipe for conflict and violence.”

Special Procedures, the largest body of independent experts in the UN Human Rights system, is the general name of the Council’s independent fact-finding and monitoring mechanisms that address either specific country situations or thematic issues in all parts of the world.

Special Procedures’ experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work.

They are independent from any government or organisation and serve in their individual capacity.

The 21, who were summarily acquitted and discharged, were arrested on May 20, while attending a conference in Ho and were subsequently arraigned and charged with unlawful assembly.

A bail was secured for the group on June 11, and the docket on the case was forwarded to the Attorney General’s office for advice.

Chief Superintendent Akolgo Yakubu Ayamga, at the hearing on Thursday, said the Senior State Attorney had noted that there was insufficient evidence to substantiate the charge and had accordingly advised that the case be struck out, and the accused persons discharged.

Justice Datsomor cited the advice from the AG, which he received in a letter dated August 02, 2021, and said he would strike out the case based on the strength of the Prosecutor’s submission.

A Ho Circuit Court presided over by Justice Felix Datsomor has struck out a case involving 21 persons alleged to be members of the LGBTQ community.

The 21, who were summarily acquitted and discharged, were arrested on May 20, while attending a conference in Ho and were subsequently arraigned and charged with unlawful assembly.

A bail was secured for the group on June 11, and the docket on the case was forwarded to the Attorney General’s office for advice.

Chief Superintendent Akolgo Yakubu Ayamga, at the hearing on Thursday, said the Senior State Attorney had noted that there was insufficient evidence to substantiate the charge and had accordingly advised that the case be struck out, and the accused persons discharged.

Justice Datsomor cited the advice from the AG, which he received in a letter dated August 02, 2021, and said he would strike out the case based on the strength of the Prosecutor’s submission.

He further praised the legal team for putting a strong defense leading to their acquittal and discharge.

“It’s been a torturous journey. We’ve been back and forth on this case for close to three months now and today marks a day of happiness.

“We are greatly elated and it’s a mixed feeling today. As the saying goes, the wheels of justice grind slowly. We knew that one day this would come to an end and we are happy that everybody comported themselves well and everybody presented him or herself today.

“So far we’ve had a very cooperative team and the legal team has been very up front with their defence and all, so we are glad,” he stated.

According to him, another group is sex workers whose activities together with homosexuals are against the laws of the country.

Mr Atuahene made the disclosure on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen though he admitted the disease is no respecter of persons.

His comments come at a time when the debate on homosexuality and its related activities has taken a centre stage in Ghana.

“They may argue they have fundamental human rights but we must look at the issues in the context of health and what our laws say,” he said.

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To him, the nation should take a greater look at these groups in its quest to guard against the spread of HIV.

“They can get it from their homosexual partners and transmit it, especially to their wives if they have and it will keep spreading so we need to pay particular attention to these people,” he urged.

Christian groups have thrown support for the Members of Parliament (MPs) sponsoring the controversial Anti-LGBTQI+ in Parliament.

The group charged MP for Ningo-Prampram, Sam George, Ho West MP, Emmanuel Bedzrah, MP for Kpando, Della Adjoa Sowah, and John Ntim Fordjour, MP for Assin South, among others not to succumb to internal and external pressure.

Executive Director for Alliance for Christian Advocacy Africa, Rev Dr Opuni-Frimpong, in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme Tuesday, said the legislators are fighting for the “national conscience of the country”.

Some pro- LGBTQI+ group said the bill preaches hate against such gays and homosexuals and is already hinting of severe repercussions on Ghana should the bill be passed.

They claim if the bill in its current form is allowed to pass, Ghana might be blacklisted by the International Community.

But the majority of Ghanaians, who are rooting for the bill to be passed, are damming the consequences to uphold cultural values.

In support, Rev Dr Opuni-Frimpong said there are countries that will be looking up to the Ghanaian government to pass the bill and they will follow suit.

“We may lose some but we will be a shinning example to many African countries,” he stated.

Rev Dr Opuni-Frimpong, who is also the former General Secretary of the Christian Council, charged church leaders, Muslim leaders, traditional leaders and others not to leave the fight for only the MPs.

“We cannot leave this fight for only the MPs because these LGBTQI+ people have powerful people behind them and we can’t allow them to intimidate our legislators,” he stressed.

According to report and photos sighted on Instablog9ja, the teenagers with peculiar haircut were monitored and nabbed by neighbours.

They were said to be having an orgy during the birthday party of one of them identified as David, who had turned 18.

They were handed over to an NGO who in turn alerted police of the development, hence their arrest.

In photos of their arrest, they were paraded while they wear only boxer shorts, and some items in polythene bags believed to be sex toys.

“All human beings should be treated with respect and dignity and should be able to live without fear no matter who they are or whom they love,” said the memorandum, building on a 2011 directive issued when Biden was serving as vice president.

“The United States belongs at the forefront of this struggle – speaking out and standing strong for our most dearly held values,” the memorandum said.

While a presidential memorandum is largely symbolic, Biden campaigned on a pledge to pass LGBTQ rights legislation known as the Equality Act in the first 100 days of his administration and to make LGBTQ rights a top priority.

The memo directs U.S. agencies working abroad to work harder to combat the criminalization by foreign governments of LGBTQ status or conduct, and directs the State Department to include anti-LGBTQ violence, discrimination and laws in its annual human rights report.

It calls for increased efforts to ensure that LGBTQ asylum seekers have equal access to protection, expanded training for U.S. federal personnel, and potential increased use of priority referrals to expedite resettlement of vulnerable people.

And it instructs agencies to consider appropriate responses, including the full range of diplomatic tools, and potentially financial sanctions and visa restrictions, when foreign governments restricted the rights of LGBTQ people.

Biden announced the push during a forceful speech at the State Department, vowing to rebuild U.S. credibility worldwide.

“To further repair our moral leadership, I’m also issuing a presidential memo to agencies to reinvigorate our leadership on the LGBTQI issues and do it internationally,” he said.

“We’ll ensure diplomacy and foreign assistance are working to promote the rights of those individuals, included by combating criminalization and protecting LGBTQ refugees and asylum-seekers.”

Biden’s campaign pledge included protecting LGBTQ people from discrimination, ensuring fair treatment in the justice system and advancing LGBTQ rights globally.

Biden has already issued an executive order that extends existing federal nondiscrimination protections to LGBTQ people.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki on Thursday said Biden “stands by” his pledge to sign the Equality Act in his first 100 days but noted that Congress would need to take action to pass a bill first.

In a country where homosexuality is frowned upon by the majority, many were unhappy with the Pope’s speech where he okayed homosexual people the right to civil union laws.

If this man is not the anti-christ then who else is. Gradually the whole world will get to know the evil nature of Catholicism. The fallen church, Arnold Blay reacted.

Nonetheless, Collins Boateng said he wasn’t surprised because he believes Pope Francis didn’t say it on behalf of the church.

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This is no news at all, I am very sure even if he said this. He did not say on behalf of the church but on a personal status. We should understand when people speak or act on behalf of something or somebody and when they speak or act in their own accord.

This will be news…not just news but a very shocking one to most people who believe in the supremacy of religious leaders. May God save us, he said.

Meanwhile, Cephas Aduku urged Christians to brace up spiritually since such news only predicts how fast the end of the world (apocalypse) is approaching.

One thing is that if you hear this kind of things, don’t be amazed or surprised, it only encourages us the true Christian that the word of God is true. All of these things have been predicted by the bible so rather be strong or rekindle our faith in Christ Jesus. The worse is yet to come so be prepared, he said.

One worried Christian, Joe Wedam, stated unequivocally that the Pope’s statement goes a long way to prove that Christianity is a great facade.

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