Samuel Nartey George, Minister of Communications and Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, has replied to viral photographs of a gay couple kissing at Accra’s Independence Arch.
His remark comes amid growing criticism from the Minority Caucus and members of the public, who have questioned his perceived quiet, especially given his open support for Ghana’s anti-LGBTQ+ legislation.
The two South African guys, Rue and Lue, created a social media frenzy after sharing photos of themselves kissing beneath Ghana’s famed Independence Arch. The couple, dressed in matching red clothes, posed fondly at the historic location, which is widely recognised as a symbol of national pride and liberty.
Sam George breaks silence on viral images of a homosexual couple kissing at the Independence Arch.
While some netizens welcomed the photo as brave and innovative, others slammed it as rude and called on the government, particularly Sam George, to reply.
In a social media post, the MP, a key supporter of the contentious anti-LGBTQ+ law, blasted the behaviour as a grave disrespect to Ghanaian traditional values.
Mr. George stated:
I’ve seen countless tags and posts regarding two ‘useless’ people who show disgusting disrespect for our culture and principles. The disregard for our national symbols is terrible, to say the least.
He also chastised opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) opponents, blaming the current situation on the previous Akufo-Addo administration’s failure to pass the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, technically known as the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill.
He wrote:
You previously defended President Akufo-Addo’s immoral position, and now you want to pontificate? How dare you!
Mr George went on to say that the controversial law has subsequently been resubmitted and approved for a first reading by the Speaker of Parliament.
We must defend our children’s ideals, morality, and innocence. I would urge that President John Dramani Mahama sign the Bill if it is passed again. My position has not changed, but I abhor hypocrisy.
He also urged law enforcement officials to find the two “miscreants” in the viral images and enforce the full rigour of Ghana’s current laws against them.