CDD-Ghana engages religious leaders on LGBTQ+ rights and legal approaches in Eastern region

The Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) has held a conference in Koforidua to engage religious and faith-based leaders on human rights and rights-based approaches concerning LGBTQ+ issues in Ghana.

The event focused on fostering discussions on how to uphold and respect the rights of sexual minorities while ensuring a balanced approach that aligns with the country's legal and moral framework.

William Nyarko, Executive Director of the African Centre for International Law, emphasized the need for tolerance, referencing the 1992 Constitution.

"Chapter 5 of the constitution spells out clearly the rights of all citizens and therefore must be taken into consideration as far as addressing the issue of LGBTQ+," he stated.

Mr. Nyarko expressed optimism that involving religious and faith-based leaders in these discussions would help broaden the conversation, as they could educate their congregations on the rights of marginalized groups.

While acknowledging the importance of protecting children from engaging in certain acts, he maintained that calls for legal action against LGBTQ+ individuals should be the responsibility of the state and not private individuals.

"The state cannot bear such costs in accordance with the constitution," he pointed out, advocating for a more holistic approach rather than outright criminalization.

Psychologist Advocates for Rights Awareness

Dr. Nuworza Kugbey, a psychologist and senior lecturer at the University of Environment and Sustainable Development, spoke on the importance of acknowledging the rights of individuals while balancing religious beliefs.

He highlighted how religious doctrines have evolved over time, leading to the abandonment of certain practices that previously infringed on members' rights.

According to him, some past religious customs were not about reform or punishment but, instead, violated the fundamental rights of individuals.

Faith-Based Leaders Reflect on LGBTQ+ Discussions

Several religious leaders expressed gratitude for the insights gained during the two-day conference, acknowledging that their perspectives on LGBTQ+ issues had broadened.

"We have come to realize that it is not the gay people who are calling for a law to protect them but rather some individuals who are seeking legal backing to stop their activities. We didn't knew that earlier on but this training has equiped us a lot on the matter," some pastors admitted.

Others called for a more compassionate approach, urging Ghanaians to engage with LGBTQ+ individuals rather than alienating them.

Potential Economic Implications of Anti-LGBTQ+ Laws

Ghana could face significant economic repercussions if laws criminalizing LGBTQ+ activities are enacted.

The country risks expulsion from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), potentially leading to a loss of approximately $800 million in trade benefits.

Additionally, the tourism sector could suffer revenue losses as potential visitors may avoid destinations with restrictive laws on human rights.

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