Source: newsthemegh.com
In her commentary on the current LGBTQ+ rights discussion in Ghana, former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo emphasized the value of maintaining cultural customs while urging civil discourse and inclusivity.
Akuffo praised the value of Ghanaian customs and traditions during an interview on Metro TV on December 25, 2023, which NEWSTHEMEGH.COM monitored.
“As Ghanaians, we have our traditions, traditional and customary practices, which certainly do not, as far as I know in almost 75 years of age, include men marrying men,” she said in expressing her opinion.
Akuffo used cultural customs and norms to support her opposition to same-sex unions. “Therefore, since it goes against our cultural norms, I cannot accept the idea of men marrying men or women marrying women,” the woman said.
I’ve never been told that because males marry men in my culture, I can choose to marry a woman as well. You understand that I have not encountered that, and I will not consent to it either.
This conversation is taking place in the midst of legislative proceedings in Ghana, where legislators have been debating a bill that would make it illegal to support LGBTQ rights, engage in same-sex relationships, or identify as transgender since August 2021.
Many MPs in Ghana have supported the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, which calls for harsh punishments, such as 10-year prison terms for anyone who advocate LGBTQ rights.
The measure, which also includes provisions for penalizing anybody disseminating content deemed pro-LGBTQ or threatening traditional gender identities, is endorsed by religious and traditional leaders. The bill is a reflection of Ghana’s wider social discourse on LGBTQ+ rights and traditional values.