CDD-Ghana engages religious leaders in Ho on human rights issues

The Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) recently organized a significant two-day social dialogue focused on human rights, particularly concerning the rights of sexual minorities.

This event took place on January 20th and 21st, 2025, at the Skyplus Hotel in Ho, Volta Region, and brought together religious leaders from various faiths.

The discussions aimed to foster a deeper understanding of human rights issues, with a strong emphasis on the rights of sexual minorities in Ghana.

Dr. Michael Augustus Akagbor, Senior Programs Officer at CDD-Ghana, noted a remarkable shift in participants' perspectives throughout the dialogue.

He stated, "Initially, there was some hostility regarding the influence of religious beliefs on human rights issues. However, by the end of the dialogue, many participants began to question their previously held views, leading to a deeper understanding of human rights and the importance of LGBTQ rights in our democratic discourse."

Adding depth to the conversation, Prof. James Dzisah from the Sociology Department at the University of Ghana addressed the intricate relationship between religion, secularism, and democratic rights.

He emphasized that many dominant narratives about religion and public life often revolve around myths.

He explained, "We tend to categorize religion as something that is between people and their gods, implying a private character. However, this perception is a myth." Prof. Dzisah argued that both religion and the public sphere are often mischaracterized, stating, "The public sphere is neither a realm of straightforward rational deliberation nor a smooth space of informed agreement."

He further highlighted the need for dialogue on how religious beliefs intersect with collective ideas about the state, especially in a diverse society where not everyone shares the same faith. "We should ask what role religious reasons play when dealing with collective ideas about governance," he urged.

The timing of this dialogue is particularly relevant as President John Dramani Mahama has proposed revisiting the contentious Ghanaian Family Values Bill 2021. Dr. Akagbor supported the president’s initiative, explaining that the bill effectively lapsed with the previous parliament and will require a new legislative process. He also praised Mahama’s suggestion to promote family values through educational programs rather than legislation.

Dr. Nuworza Kugbey, a psychologist and senior lecturer at the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD), emphasized the importance of educating religious leaders about human rights, stating, "These leaders hold significant influence over their communities. Without discussions on human rights, abuses can occur without awareness."

Participants reflected on the dialogue during interviews, with Reverend Dr. Francis Moore Nuworku, Regional Pastor for Calvary Charismatic Centre (CCC) in the Volta Region, describing the event as “impactful and enlightening.”

He echoed Dr. Kugbey's sentiments about the Family Values Bill, saying, “Many of us arrived with entrenched beliefs about the bill, but we now see the need for broader discourse and understanding.”

When asked for advice for President Mahama and Members of Parliament regarding the bill, Rev. Nuworku, who is also the chairman of the National Clergy Association of Ghana, firmly stated, “The entire bill is disastrous; so, it should be dropped.”

Reverend Cynthia Allotey of Kingdom Fire City Chapel in Ho also expressed her gratitude for the dialogue, saying, “We have a responsibility to educate ourselves and our congregations. This event has illuminated the complexities surrounding human rights issues. We can no longer ignore these discussions; it’s crucial that we approach them with empathy and understanding.”

Participants collectively emphasized the need for ongoing education and dialogue within their communities. One participant, who chose to remain anonymous, remarked, “It’s not just about legislation; it’s about how we treat individuals in our society. This dialogue has equipped us with the tools for more informed discussions with our congregations.”

Both Dr. Akagbor and Dr. Kugbey highlighted the significance of informed decision-making among religious leaders, encouraging them to embrace the knowledge shared during the dialogue. Dr. Kugbey concluded, “Let’s educate ourselves to ensure that our decisions benefit everyone in society.”

This event marked a crucial step in fostering meaningful conversations about human rights and the implications of legislation affecting sexual minorities, paving the way for more inclusive discussions in the future.

Prof. Dzisah’s insights underscored the importance of integrating diverse perspectives in these dialogues to enhance understanding and cooperation among different faiths and communities.