King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, the Ga Mantse, has urged Western nations to promote polygamy instead of same-sex relationships, which he finds objectionable both as a Christian and a traditionalist. Despite his inclusive approach to leadership, he maintains strong opposition to LGBTQ+ activities.
In an interview with Accra-based Citi FM, King Tsuru II questioned Western values, stating, “I believe the West should promote polygamy. Why do they promote same-sex relationships and think polygamy is bad?” He emphasized that public interest should not prioritize individual privileges and preferences. “I love everybody,” he declared, urging advocates of LGBTQ+ rights to also consider supporting polygamy.
When asked about President Akufo-Addo’s potential assent to the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, the Ga Mantse indicated that the issue does not demand his significant attention. The controversial bill, currently under legal scrutiny by Ghana’s Supreme Court, has sparked heated debate since its passage by Parliament.
Meanwhile, Attorney General and Minister of Justice Godfred Yeboah Dame has requested live coverage of the court proceedings regarding the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly referred to as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill. In a letter to the Chief Justice, Dame highlighted the significant public interest in the case, advocating for full media access.
“Respectfully, because of the public interest in the cases concerning the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill 2024 (the Bill), I would like to recommend that the media (including radio and television) be given full access to the relevant courts to undertake a coverage of all proceedings in those cases concerning the Bill,” Dame wrote.
The referenced cases include Supreme Court suits Dr. Amanda Odoi v. The Speaker of Parliament and Another (Suit No. J1/13/2023) and Richard Dela Sky v. The Parliament of Ghana and Another (Suit No. J1/9/2024).
Prominent religious leader Dr. Lawrence Tetteh, founder and President of the Worldwide Miracle Outreach, has vowed to protest if President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo does not sign the anti-LGBTQI bill into law. Tetteh declared his intention to march to the Jubilee House, criticizing political and religious leaders for their silence on the matter.
“I’ll march to the Jubilee House. It’s about time we make politicians know we voted them into power. The cowardice that Christian leaders and religious leaders have been reduced to is a shame, and I’m embarrassed by some of our clergymen,” Tetteh stated, urging religious leaders to speak out against LGBTQ+ issues.
The ongoing debate underscores the complex interplay between cultural, religious, and legal perspectives in Ghana, as the nation grapples with its stance on LGBTQ+ rights and traditional practices like polygamy.
