AI condemns Tamale Chief for endorsing lynching of gays

Amnesty International has condemned the Chief of Tamale,Dakpema Naa Mahamadu Dawuni for endorsing the lynching of gays in his area.

The Chief is reported to have told the media that his Palace has received several reports of homosexual activities in the locality.

The youth there are said to be angry with the development and plan on lynching any person suspected to be engaged in homosexuality.

The Tamale sub-chief has apparently given his blessing to such plans.

But Lawrence Amesu, the country director for Amnesty International in Ghana said they are appalled by the intentions of the youth and the Chief.

“I think that human rights issues are a bit complex, particularly when people are sticking very close to their national and cultural practices.

“In Ghana I would say that a very large number of people do not still understand some aspects of human rights issues especially when it comes to same sex relationships, I think that what we have to do is to do more education”.

But the Tamale chief says he is unfazed by the condemnation from the rights group.

His spokesperson Abass Salifu in an interview with XYZ News, said the chief will support any move to clump down on homosexual activities in his area.

“The Chief of Tamale says not under his jurisdiction, anybody who attempts to do that, if the group attacks that person in any way he is going to support it”.