Kumasi dialogue empowers religious leaders to advocate for human rights of sexual minorities in Ghana -

Kumasi, Ashanti Region – November 20, 2024 – A two-day social dialogue aimed at fostering understanding of human rights and the implications of the Ghanaian Family Values Bill, 2021, concluded successfully at the True Vine Hotel in Kumasi.

Organized by the Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), the event brought together religious and faith-based leaders to discuss the pressing issues surrounding the rights of sexual minorities in Ghana.

Purpose of the Dialogue

The dialogue was facilitated by notable figures including Dr. Michael Augustus Akagbor, Senior Programs Officer at CDD-Ghana; William Nyarko, Executive Director of the Africa Center for International Law and Accountability (ACILA); and Prof. James Dzisah, Senior Lecturer at the University of Ghana’s Sociology Department. Dr. Akagbor emphasized the need for religious leaders to understand the contents of the bill, stating, “A lot of people are just speculating based on what the proponents are saying… Once we started going to the bill, they could already start seeing how dangerous it was.”

Participant Reactions

The discussions prompted significant reflections among the attendees. Bishop Christian Antwi-Bosiako, Presiding Bishop of His Image Ministries, expressed a transformative realization: “This conference has really enlightened us to know that things are not clear to most of us at all… If we sit down and keep quiet as religious leaders, then we are really treading on dangerous grounds.”

Evangelist Nana Afua Nsiah Aninkura from the True World Charismatic Church shared her concerns about the bill’s implications, stating, “When we read the bill… they should sit down and do something about it. Because when you are living with somebody, the person has got his own rights.” She called for a reconsideration of the bill, highlighting the potential risks it poses to all Ghanaians.

Rev. Reindorf Antwi Bosiako, General Overseer of Miracle Maker Ministry, noted the importance of understanding human rights in the context of the law: “Now I’ve seen that the right I have, I should not allow anybody to intimidate me… My rights do not permit me to harass or do anything against other people.” He described the bill as a “misplaced priority,” urging parliament to focus on more pressing national issues.

Facilitators’ Insights

Facilitators highlighted the lack of awareness regarding the bill among religious leaders. William Nyarko explained the historical context of anti-homosexuality laws, tracing their evolution from ecclesiastical to secular courts. He emphasized that many participants initially supported the bill without fully understanding its implications. “After the engagement, many of them said, no, this bill should not proceed,” he noted.

Dr. Akagbor reiterated the importance of educating influential community leaders: “The more religious leaders become more knowledgeable… the more they are saying, wait a minute, put a pause on this.”

Conclusion and Next Steps

The dialogue concluded with a consensus on the need for further engagement and education on human rights issues. Participants expressed gratitude to CDD-Ghana for facilitating the event, with Bishop Antwi-Bosiako stating, “We are most grateful for inviting us to come and then to be trained.”

The discussions underscored the critical role that religious leaders play in shaping public opinion and policy regarding human rights in Ghana. With the Ghanaian Family Values Bill still under consideration, the insights gained from this dialogue may influence future advocacy efforts and legislative actions.

As the nation grapples with the complexities of human rights and social justice, the voices of these religious leaders will be crucial in navigating the path forward.