The Presbyterian Church of Ghana has called on Christians and the general public to show compassion toward persons identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ), even as the church maintains its doctrinal position on morality.

Church leaders say engagement with LGBTQ persons should be guided by counselling, pastoral care, and understanding rather than by hostility.

The call was made on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, during the inauguration of the Awoshie District of the Ga West Presbytery, an event that brought together clergy and congregants to celebrate the creation of the new district while reflecting on faith, morality, and social responsibility.

Chairman of the Ga West Presbytery, Reverend Enoch Adjei Pobee, reaffirmed the church’s stance on moral values rooted in Christian doctrine, stressing that moral guidance must be accompanied by compassion and responsible pastoral care.

“My bible tells me that in the beginning, during creation, God created a man and a woman and said to the man, ‘This is bone of your bone and flesh of your flesh,’ and He called her woman, and they got married. That explains why Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed because of men marrying men and women marrying women. Even animals do not chase the same gender, so why should we humans degrade ourselves and go beyond animals to pursue the same sex? God does not like that, and that is why our religion frowns on it. Rather, let us bring them back on track.”

Adding to the conversation, Lay Representative Mavis Okyere urged Ghanaians to desist from stigmatising or attacking LGBTQ persons, emphasising that condemnation does little to restore moral and social values.

“With or without a law, we should find a way to live in sanity. No sane person should engage in such acts. As Christians, let us support them and bring them back on the right path ”.

Meanwhile, the newly inducted Minister of the Awoshie District, Reverend Mrs. Beatrice Kwakye, used the occasion to stress the importance of accountability and integrity in leadership.

“I have mixed feelings now of joy at being elevated and anxiety over the responsibility entrusted to me as a district minister. This is because one day our Master, Jesus Christ, will return, and we will all give an account. Therefore, it is a responsibility for every Ghanaian that when work is entrusted into your care, your leader expects you to account for your stewardship. Accountability, therefore, is key ”.

Church leaders expressed optimism that the creation of the Awoshie District would strengthen the church’s mission within the Ga West Presbytery, promote moral responsibility, and encourage a more humane and empathetic approach to addressing contemporary social challenges.