Former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo has expressed criticism towards the activities of the LGBTQI+ community in Ghana.
She emphasized the significance of preserving the country’s customs and traditions, highlighting the notable gap between Western lifestyles and African values, particularly concerning same-sex relationships.
Speaking in an interview on Metro TV on December 25, 2023, she stated “As Ghanaians, we have our traditions, we have our traditional and customary practices, which certainly do not, as far as I know in almost 75 years of my age, include men marrying men.
“Therefore, I cannot accept the idea of men marrying men or women marrying women, as it goes against our cultural norms.”
She emphasized that throughout her lifetime, she had never encountered a situation where same-sex marriages were accepted within the customs of Ghana.
“I have not been told that in my customs, men marry men, and therefore, I can also choose to marry a woman. You know, I have not come upon that, and I will not accept that either,” she declared.
Parliament has begun considering the “Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, 2022”.
Parliament adjourned sine die for the Christmas and New Year break in the early hours of Saturday after passing the Appropriation Bill for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024.
The Third Meeting of the Third Session of the Eighth Parliament, which began on October 31, was initially scheduled to adjourn sine die on December 22 for the Christmas festivities. However, the all-night sitting extended into the early hours of Saturday, December 23.
Prior to recess, one of the Bills being considered by the House was the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values bill also known as the LGBTQ Bill.
This bill has been debated on for close to three years after being sent to Parliament by some eight MPs including Ningo-Prampram MP, Sam Nartey George in 2021.
Speaker Bagbin reassured the public that the bill would be passed before Parliament adjourns for the Christmas and New Year break.
“I know that nobody in this House is opposed to the bill and I know the bill will see the light of day before we rise because the people of Ghana are expecting us to pass the bill before we go on recess. Failure to do so will have serious consequences on members as they want to advance in their political careers,” he said.