There has been a lot of negative focus on gay rights in Ghana and hope was earlier introduced when the President previously said the country was “bound” to decriminalize homosexuality eventually. Unfortunately it appears that his stance has bowed to religious pressure as a recent speech by president Nana Akufo-Addo, delivered to the 2018 Synod of the Global Evangelical Church, revealed a new point of view. He now says he has no plans to decriminalise homosexuality.

Homosexuality is illegal in Ghana and can be punished by up to three years in jail. Meanwhile, human rights activists say that people in the country are encouraged by the media and religious leaders to attack members of the LGBTQ community. Answering a question from the Rt. Rev. Setorwu Kwadzo Ofori, on whether Ghana would bow to international pressure and remove its ban on homosexuality, Akufo-Addo said:

“The Church and the Government have to work together since we have the same aim. There should be no doubt in anybody’s mind that the men of God have the moral authority to hold the political leadership to scrutiny. It is important that we do not debase the principles we purport to uphold.” Read more via Rustin Times