Bishop Samuel Mensah, who is a member of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC), has stated that although President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who is Christian, was expected to have expressed his disapproval of same-sex marriage on the basis of his religious beliefs, the President was a bit diplomatic in his response to a question on homosexuality during the meeting with US Vice President Kamala Harris.
During the meeting with Madam Kamal Harris, the topic of homosexuality is likely to be brought up for discussion, as indicated by Bishop Mensah, who indicated that this was to be expected.
During an appearance on the Ghana Tonight Show on TV3 on March 28, he made the following statement: “I think definitely the President knew there was going to be a question in this regard; even the ordinary Ghanaian knew that once Kamala Harris was coming in and representing what she represents, being the Vice President of the United States.
Obviously the average Ghanaian was aware and knew exactly what has happened in other countries like Kenya, Uganda, and some of the places that the US has gone to, obviously the President knew there was going to be
“I believe that the president has decided to respond in a manner that is politically appropriate and that he will attempt to be a little bit more diplomatic.”
He went on to say, “The vast majority of people in our society do not support the institution of same-sex marriage; this is who we are and this is what we believe in.” In addition to that, the President is a believer, specifically a Christian, and as a result, we will presume that he is a supporter of the aforementioned principle.
“I am not speaking of the dichotomous understanding of Christianity that is prevalent in Europe and in some churches,” the author says.
Where we stand, the President is a strong supporter of these values; therefore, he had the opportunity to express his support for them, but he chose to take a more diplomatic approach instead.
I believe that we should just accept it in its current state and wait to see what action Parliament takes on the matter.
The anti-gay bill, which has been proposed in the form of a Private Members' Bill, is anticipated to make certain behaviors associated with homosexuals in Ghana illegal.
In response to a question that was posed to him at the Jubilee House on Monday, March 27, when US Vice President Kamala Harris called on him, President Akufo-Addo confirmed that the bill is currently before Parliament, which will decide on it, but that the majority of its provisions are being fine-tuned.
Harris had called on him as part of her official visit to Ghana.
“It hasn't been passed, so the statement that there is legislation in Ghana to that effect is not accurate,” he said. “Since it hasn't been passed, there is no legislation in Ghana to that effect.”
“Parliament is dealing with it, and at the end of the process, I will come in,” he added. “I apologize for any confusion this may have caused.”
During the course of the latter's three-day visit to the country, US Vice President Harris paid a visit to the seat of government, where he was greeted by President Akufo-Addo.
She emphasized how strongly she believes that it is important to support and fight for the cause of human rights, including the rights of LGBTQ people.
“For the members of the American press who are in attendance, you are aware that a significant portion of the work I have done throughout my career has focused on addressing human rights issues and equality issues across the globe, including issues pertaining to the LGBTQ community, and I have a very strong conviction regarding the significance of defending freedom and defending and fighting for quality among all people.
