The National House of Chiefs has weighed in on the latest controversy in the country regarding the practices of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI) individuals.
It communicates unequivocally that traditional rulers would not support actions that they consider uncultured and non-Ghanaian.
In a press release, the House of Chiefs said, “It is pertinent to note that, as traditional leaders and, for that matter, custodians of our lands, we will never embrace, acknowledge, or condone such activities.”
Nananom expressed concern about current discussions on the issue, stating that the Ghanaian community has never subscribed to LGBTQI, calling it “taboo, barbaric, and foreign to society.”
The chiefs also confirmed that, while they would never accept LGBTQI people into their cultures, they will continue to respect their human rights and opinions.
It also claimed that the House would actively condemn any effort to introduce any culture that appears to be at odds with Ghanaian tradition.
It urged the government not to give in to external pressure to sanction such activities in the name of bilateral ties.
Meanwhile, the National House of Chiefs has urged the public to follow the law and refrain from targeting people who consider or are accused of being part of the homosexual movement.
“We are, however, urging Ghanaians not to take matters into their own hands by burning, lynching, molesting, or causing mayhem on alleged gay or lesbian couples, but rather to report such individuals to law enforcement agencies for effective action,” the statement continued.
Many religious bodies, Parliamentarians, Ministers-Designates, human rights activists, campaign backers, and other related stakeholders have all weighed in on plans to legalize or criminalize homosexuality in Ghana.
Although some argue that allowing the practice would serve purposes that are antithetical to Ghanaian culture and values, others argue that LGBTQIs’ rights must be secured.
However, following renewed pressure on the executive branch of government on the issue, President Akufo-Addo has announced that marriage between people of the same sex would not be legalized in Ghana during his presidency.
“It will not happen in my tenure as President for same-sex marriage to be allowed in Ghana,” he said emphatically.
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SOURCE: ATLFMNEWSONLINE
