Deputy Minister-designate for Foreign Affairs, James Gyakye Quayson, has firmly declared his opposition to LGBTQ+ rights, citing cultural, religious, and moral grounds for his stance.

Appearing before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Friday, July 25, Mr Quayson stated unequivocally: “I will never support LGBTQ+ for cultural reasons, for religious reasons, and for the sanity of our own nation.”

He explained that his position is rooted in the values that define Ghanaian identity and societal cohesion, adding that he held the same convictions even while living abroad.

“I was in Canada when LGBTQ was liberalised. I was one of the people who were against it in my community,” he recalled.

Background

His comments come at a time when Parliament continues to grapple with the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, which seeks to criminalise the advocacy, promotion, and funding of LGBTQ+ activities.

The bill remains a subject of intense public and legal debate, with human rights advocates cautioning that it could infringe on constitutional freedoms and violate Ghana’s international commitments.

In recent years, LGBTQ+ issues have triggered widespread controversy in Ghana. N

otably in 2021, police in Ho arrested several individuals allegedly attending an LGBTQ+ event. A similar incident drew national attention when the LGBTQ+ pride flag was raised at the U.S. Embassy in Accra, sparking strong public backlash.

Ghana, a predominantly Christian nation, maintains deeply conservative views on issues of sexuality.

Many religious leaders and citizens argue that LGBTQ+ practices conflict with biblical teachings and traditional family values.