‘I think it is something that is bound to happen’
President Nana Akufo-Addo has said Ghana may decriminalize gay sex.
Having been in power since January, this is a landmark decision from one of the most powerful figures in Africa.
In an interview with Al-Jazeera, Akufo-Addo was asked about the situation for the LGBTI community.
Gay sex is illegal in Ghana, but for how long?
Gay sex is illegal in Ghana. It can result in up to three years of imprisonment for those found guilty.
When asked why homosexuality is still illegal, the president said Ghana is not ready yet to move onto these ‘social and cultural issues’.
‘I think it is something that is bound to happen,’ he added.
‘Like elsewhere in the world, the activity of individuals and groups [can make it happen],’ he continued, saying when he lived in England as a young boy it was activists who made change happen.
‘It is something bound to happen’
‘At the moment, I don’t feel, I don’t see that in Ghana there is that strong current of opinion that is saying this is something that we need [to] even deal with,’ he said.
‘It is so far not a message that is on the agenda.’
Edwin Sesange, African LGBTI rights advocate, told Gay Star News: ”This is one of the highly respected presidents in Africa. It was so brave of him to make such promising comments, given the anti-gay rhetoric in his country and the continent at large.
Applause for Ghana’s new president
‘I commend him for that. We need more people like him.
‘Even though he doesn’t fully support demilitarization of homosexuality, his message of optimism and hard work should be taken seriously.’
You can watch Akufo-Addo make his comments in the video below, starting just past the 13 minute mark.
