- Thank you, Cardinal Turkson, for the Christian compassion and leadership, published online on December 13, 2023:
An article dedicated to the esteemed memory of Lawyer Akoto Ampaw
It’s tragic that Lawyer Akoto Ampaw (who died on October 20, 2023), didn’t live to hear the emphatic affirmation, by no less a person than Cardinal Peter Appiah Turkson, of the right of homosexuals to live free from persecution; that there is no need to criminalise them.
In a BBC interview on November 27, 2023, Cardinal Turkson, an eminent Ghanaian Prelate and Cardinal of the Catholic Church, stated: “My position has simply been this, that LGBT, gay people, may not be criminalised because they’ve committed no crime…To criminalise anybody, (you have to be) able to identify the crime.”
However, he added, “neither should this position also become something to be imposed on cultures, which are not yet ready to accept (such a sexual inclination) …”
Moreover, Cardinal Turkson stated, “the Ghanaian culture has known of people with some such tendencies … There is an expression for them, which means that this phenomenon is known in the culture and in the community.”
So, thank you, Cardinal Turkson, for highlighting the need for humaneness.
Unfortunately, it appears that in Ghana the fear of same sex marriages happening in the country, has clouded the whole debate. Typically, when one defends LGBTQ rights, the response is “you must be one of them”.
But do I have to be a widow before I write in support of fair treatment for widows? Do I have to be physically challenged before I can write in support of disability friendly laws?
Homosexual, gay or lesbian lifestyle is certainly considered a taboo in the Ghanaian society, but is a taboo necessarily a crime?
The MPs who, reportedly, in private express reservations about the proposed excessive penalties, but have a different stance in public, should stand up now and be counted where it matters – in the House.
The fear of same-sex unions should not lead to the proposed extreme punishments. Taboo, yes; but not criminalised!
IN 2025
‘Rightify Ghana’ names the 10 sponsors of the reintroduced Bill, six from the minority New Patriotic Party (NPP) and four from the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) as:
- Samuel Nartey George (NDC, MP for Ningo-Prampram)
- Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzra (NDC, Ho West)
- Helen Adjoa Ntoso (NDC, Krachi West)
- Rita Naa Odoley Sowah (NDC, Dadekotopon)
- John Ntim Fordjour (NPP, MP for Assin South)
- Nurideen Muhammed Mummuni (NPP, Nalerugu-Gambaga
- Vincent Ekow Assafuah (NPP, Old Tafo)
- Alhassan Tampuli Sulemana (NPP, Gushegu)
- Dr Tiah Abdul Kabiru Mahama (NPP, Walewale)
- Anthony Mmieh (NPP, Odotobri)
Honourables and Bill advocates, please have a rethink about the cruel, inhumane proposed punishments! Anyway, what guarantee is there that imprisonment will cure homosexual tendencies?
Would any of you be happy to see your relative sentenced to jail simply because of their sexual orientation?
In what way would the proposed excessive, cruel and malicious punishments be helpful to Ghana’s development?
Significantly, at a recent engagement with the media in Accra, Speaker Bagbin reportedly “reaffirmed his commitment to nurturing a Parliament that is progressive, transparent, inclusive and responsive to the needs of citizens,” (Daily Guide, November 5, 2025).
A very encouraging assurance by the Speaker.
But, Mr. Speaker, respectfully, I suggest adding just one small word, ‘all’, to your assurance. Thus, the sentence would read “…nurturing a Parliament that is progressive, transparent, inclusive and responsive to the needs of ALL citizens” – including those of a different sexual orientation.
Undoubtedly, compassion should be the guiding light.
By Ajoa Yeboah-Afari