Former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo has voiced her opposition to same-sex marriage, citing Ghana’s deep-rooted customs and traditions. The comments come amid the ongoing national debate on LGBTQ+ rights in the country.
During a recent interview, She emphasized the significance of preserving Ghana’s cultural heritage while also calling for respectful dialogue and inclusivity.
The former Chief Justice, with almost 75 years of age, expressed her firm stance against the idea of men marrying men or women marrying women, stating that such practices go against the country’s cultural norms.
“As Ghanaians, we have our traditions, we have our traditional and customary practices, which certainly do not, as far as I know, include men marrying men. Therefore, I cannot accept the idea of men marrying men or women marrying women, as it goes against our cultural norms,” she argued.
She further explained that she had not encountered any customs endorsing same-sex unions and, therefore, could not accept such practices.
Sophia Akuffo’s remarks align with the ongoing discussions in Ghanaian legislative circles surrounding the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill.
Since August 2021, Ghanaian lawmakers have been deliberating on the bill, which aims to criminalize same-sex relations, being transgender, and advocating LGBTQ rights.
The proposed legislation has garnered support from many Members of Parliament, who are backing jail sentences of up to 10 years for individuals advocating for LGBTQ rights.
The bill, officially named the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, has gained traction with the support of religious and traditional leaders. It includes provisions for the prosecution of those publishing content deemed pro-LGBTQ or challenging traditional binary gender identities.
