Consistently, Ghana has witnessed an alarming rise in homophobia, driven by the anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric of both political and religious leaders. As the country approaches the 2024 general elections, this dangerous rhetoric has intensified, making the LGBTQ+ community a prime target for abuse, discrimination, and violence. Despite the constitutional protections that should guarantee safety and equality for all, many within the LGBTQ+ community find themselves at greater risk. Yet, amidst this wave of hatred, there are voices rising in defense of dignity and human rights.

The Center for Religion and Public Life (CRPL), led by Reverend Canon Confidence Bansah, has taken a bold stand against this tide of homophobia. In its recent workshop themed, 'Gender Protection Stereotypes and the Protection of All Persons Before, During, and After the Elections: The Role of Security Services,' the CRPL brought together various stakeholders to address the urgent issue of protecting human rights, particularly those of the LGBTQ+ community. The workshop included high-ranking officials from Ghana’s security forces, alongside representatives from organizations like LGBT+ Rights Ghana and Bread for the World.

The Role Of Religious Leaders In Fanning The Flames Of Hatred

During the workshop, Rev. Bansah delivered a powerful opening statement, pointing out the troubling role that religious leaders have played in stoking homophobia. He argued that while politicians may use anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric for political gain, religious leaders—who are called to preach love, dignity, and respect for all—bear a deeper responsibility for the current climate. By promoting exclusion and condemning the LGBTQ+ community, these leaders are not only violating the core tenets of their faith but also exposing vulnerable individuals to abuse, harassment, and violence.

Rev. Bansah’s message struck a chord, as it highlighted a painful contradiction. Religion, which should be a force for unity and compassion, is being weaponized against the very people it should protect. He called for a return to the values of love and dignity for all, reminding religious leaders of their moral obligation to safeguard the rights of every person, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.

The Commitment Of Ghana’s Security Forces

One of the most significant outcomes of the CRPL workshop was the commitment expressed by the country’s security agencies to protect all citizens, including those within the LGBTQ+ community. The Assistant Commander of Police and the Assistant Director of Prisons both stressed that no one is above the law and that law enforcement officers are duty-bound to serve and protect everyone equally. They assured participants that the police and other security services would be fully deployed before, during, and after the elections to ensure the safety of all voters, irrespective of their identity.

They also emphasized the shared responsibility of both the security forces and civilians in upholding the law. They urged the LGBTQ+ community to report any instances of abuse of power or unlawful behavior by law enforcement officers. In turn, they reiterated their commitment to take swift action on such cases. These statements offer a glimmer of hope for those who have long felt abandoned by the very institutions meant to protect them.

Building Trust Through Collaboration And Training

However, trust between the LGBTQ+ community and Ghana’s security forces remains fragile, given the historical mistreatment of LGBTQ+ individuals at the hands of law enforcement. To address this, the CRPL workshop called for joint workshops and training sessions aimed at fostering mutual understanding and respect between the police, prison services, and the LGBTQ+ community. These initiatives are essential to breaking down the stereotypes and prejudices that fuel discrimination within the very agencies tasked with upholding justice.

Such collaborations are crucial if Ghana is to move towards a more inclusive and just society. The police and security services must be sensitized to the unique challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community, and in turn, the LGBTQ+ community must be empowered to assert their rights and hold law enforcement accountable when those rights are violated.

A Call for Vigilance And Solidarity

As Ghana moves towards the 2024 elections, it is clear that the fight for LGBTQ+ rights is far from over. The rising wave of homophobia, driven by religious and political leaders, has created a dangerous atmosphere for LGBTQ+ individuals. However, the recent workshop organized by the CRPL offers hope that a different path is possible—one where human rights are respected, and dignity is upheld for all.

The LGBTQ+ community, now more than ever, must remain vigilant. Every act of abuse or discrimination must be reported, and every violation must be challenged. With the support of committed allies like the CRPL, security services, and human rights organizations, there is a growing network of support determined to defend the rights and lives of LGBTQ+ Ghanaians.

But this is not just a fight for the LGBTQ+ community—it is a fight for the soul of Ghana. As we approach the elections, we must ask ourselves: What kind of nation do we want to be? A nation that preaches love but practices hate? Or a nation that stands for justice, equality, and the protection of all its citizens, regardless of who they love or how they identify?

The time for solidarity is now. We must reject the politics of division and hate and stand together to ensure that Ghana remains a place where every person is free to live in safety and dignity. Let us continue to fight for the protection of all persons, before, during, and after the elections, and beyond.

Written by Berinyuy Hans Burinyuy
Director of Communications
LGBT+ Rights Ghana.