An aspiring independent presidential candidate, Jacob Osei Yeboah, is calling for a referendum to determine if the majority of Ghanaians want homosexuality to be legalized or not. According to him, the yes or no vote will put to rest the debate on the controversial issue. Mr. Osei Yeboah believes that systems in Ghana are weak and may not withstand the power of the international gay community if the nation fails to speak with one voice. Read the full statement below The office of JOY2012 has taken keen interest in the latest ongoing discussion on gays and lesbians’ rights and freedom to influence the Ghanaian society by their actions and inactions. Notwithstanding the above, the critical role the Chieftaincy Institution can play to ensure good governance, peaceful and authentic co-existence in the Ghanaian society is of paramount interest to the office of JOY2012. The role ambiguity in governance by chiefs has led to unbearable influence by political parties to the detriment of the dignity of the Chieftaincy Institution. Gays and Lesbians Societies decide and make laws upon which they live authentically according to their natural conscience and understanding of their existence with nature. The phenomenon of Gayism and Lesbianism has been accepted by other nations that are very rich economically but socially very miserable. Marital relationship as ordained by God between males and females has been turned into the fear of the absurd by the economically powerful community of the Gays and Lesbians. Their wealth and influence in society are exceptionally phenomenal and unstoppable by religious and legislative arguments even by strong legislative institutions and powerful governments. How can Ghana government and our 230 MPs in parliament who as it has been alleged can even be influenced with only $5,000to sign the Vodafone deal, can ever withstand the power of the gay and lesbian community? The law is made for Societies and not rather the reverse. The office of JOY2012 therefore strongly advocate for a referendum to be held on the rights of gays and lesbians in the Ghanaian society. This advocacy, the office believes will and can put the matter to rest so as not to give the chance for any religious extremists’ actions against the psychologically suffocated minds of our beloved gay and lesbian community growing and entrenching their influence in Ghana. The human race has become endangered species when the office of JOY2012 critically analyse theactions and inactions of gays and lesbians. The Role of Chieftaincy Institution in Governance for Peace and Authentic Co-existence of Ghanaians. There is an enduring tragedy to the noble Chieftaincy Institution of our tradition. This tragedy which is undue influence by government and political parties has constantly shaken the relevance foundation of the chieftaincy Institution to near anarchy in our society as a source of perceived feudalism. The office of JOY2012 has noticed with greatest concern the latest development in the Ga Traditional Council. The office of JOY2012 has been following the development with pride that the various factions involved in trying to pursue the rightful traditional requirements for the throne had not yet degenerated into unlawful lost of human lives among the same family members in the four main ruling houses. The JOY2012 office therefore appeals to the four ruling houses to uphold the rule of law and an enduring patience so as not to destabilize the capital city. The ruling houses should bear in mind that, their common enemy is the rhetoric and influence by political parties whose interest is their votes for power and who can sadly sacrifice your lives and properties for political exigencies. The value of your lives and properties is of paramount importance to all peace loving Ghanaians. The office of JOY2012 therefore hopes that, your prudent handling of the crisis will surely bean example, especially to the Abudus and Andanis in Dagbon’s chieftaincy crisis. The office of JOY2012 is equally appealing to the media, especially the electronic media to be extremely circumspect in their reportage. The office commends the media for their professional handling of the crisis so far. The importance of the chieftaincy Institution in ensuring good governance, checks and balances by politicians’ abuse of power and the restoration of our identity and traditions as Ghanaians cannot be over-emphasised. JOY2012 office aims to right the wrong of history in 1951, which due to the cleavage between the chiefs and the new political leaders in the country led by the UGCC ensured that chiefs were replaced on the legislative assembly formed in 1852. JOY2012 office therefore advocates that, Ghana’s governance will see much transformation with checks and balances with the creation of the second chamber of parliament made up of the national house of chiefs. The second chamber of parliament will serve as an advisory body to all legislations from parliament. Finally, the creation of a Supreme Council of State (SCS), a body whose membership is elected by existing Institutions to ensure that elected government does not abuse its power. Such Institutions will include The Traditional, Religious, Business, Bar Association, Education, Industrialists, farmers, Health, Economy, and Students etc. The other most important function is for the SCS to assume the power of government especially some months before the general election when a sitting government will have the tendency to use the power of incumbency to bring untold pains to the electorate. It is the duty of all Ghanaians to work relentlessly for peaceful and authentic co-existence beyond 2012 election so that; there will be Jobs, Opportunities and Youth Empowerment beyond 2012. Thank you all. Media Committee