Photos of two men kissing at Ghana's most important national sites have caused anger among lawmakers. The images spread across social media Wednesday and show the couple holding Ghana's flag at Black Star Square and Independence Arch. Reports say both men come from South Africa and visited the monuments as tourists.
John Ntim Fordjour serves on Parliament's Defence and Interior Committee and blamed President Mahama for the incident. The lawmaker from Assin South said government officials failed to protect national symbols from what he called disgraceful behavior. He accused the President, Tourism Minister and National Security leaders of allowing foreign visitors to disrespect Ghanaian values.
Fordjour believes the current government's position on LGBTQ+ issues has made some people bold enough to ignore local customs. He wants Parliament to pass the anti-gay bill that would prevent such actions at national landmarks. The politician posted his complaints on social media Thursday after the photos became popular online.
Communications Minister Samuel Nartey George pointed blame at former President Akufo-Addo instead. George said Akufo-Addo should have signed the anti-LGBTQ+ Family Values Bill when he had the chance. He argues that refusing to approve the law has encouraged same-sex couples to visit Ghana without respecting cultural traditions.
The controversy highlights ongoing debates about LGBTQ+ rights and cultural values in Ghana. Both political parties are using the incident to criticize their opponents ahead of future elections.
John Ntim Fordjour serves on Parliament's Defence and Interior Committee and blamed President Mahama for the incident. The lawmaker from Assin South said government officials failed to protect national symbols from what he called disgraceful behavior. He accused the President, Tourism Minister and National Security leaders of allowing foreign visitors to disrespect Ghanaian values.
Fordjour believes the current government's position on LGBTQ+ issues has made some people bold enough to ignore local customs. He wants Parliament to pass the anti-gay bill that would prevent such actions at national landmarks. The politician posted his complaints on social media Thursday after the photos became popular online.
Communications Minister Samuel Nartey George pointed blame at former President Akufo-Addo instead. George said Akufo-Addo should have signed the anti-LGBTQ+ Family Values Bill when he had the chance. He argues that refusing to approve the law has encouraged same-sex couples to visit Ghana without respecting cultural traditions.
The controversy highlights ongoing debates about LGBTQ+ rights and cultural values in Ghana. Both political parties are using the incident to criticize their opponents ahead of future elections.
