Homosexuality Stance: Ablakwa defends Akufo-Addo

The ranking member on the foreign affairs committee of parliament and Member of Parliament for North Tongu Constituency has backed President Akufo-Addo's comment on legalisation of homosexuality.

Even though most of his colleagues in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have condemned the President, Samuel Okudjeto Ablakwa feels the latter's answer was 'great'.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo was asked a question in relation to the legalisation of homosexuality during an interview with Jane Dutton on Talk to Al Jazeera.

In answer to the question, the President said: “this is a social, cultural issue, I don’t believe that in Ghana so far, a sufficiently strong coalition has emerged which is having that impact on public opinion that will say ‘change it, let’s now have a new paradigm in Ghana...At the moment, I don’t feel, I don’t see that in Ghana there is that strong current of opinion that is saying this is something we need to deal with.

It is not so far a matter that is on the agenda. I grew up in England at the time that homosexuality was banned there. It was illegal and I lived a period where British politicians thought it was an item not to even think about. But suddenly the activities of individuals and groups, a certain awareness, a certain development grew and grew stronger and it forced a change in law. I believe that those are the same processes that will bring about changes in our situation”.

However, the President's critics were of the view that he should have taken a firmer stand on the subject matter.

The opposition NDC felt President Akufo-Addo with his comment has rather opened the gates for gay rights activists to agitate for the decriminalization of the act.

Commenting on this on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen on Tuesday, Hon Ablakwa said the President “within the context of international diplomacy, gave an excellent answer".

He said “the President was aware of the implications of whatever answer he was about offering and hence I believe he will be pleased with the consequences he is receiving back home…”

“Nana Addo did not want to incur the wrath of gay community…the President was trying to be in the middle…but the consequence is that back home, the President has not impressed the conservative Ghanaian community,” he added.