IN Ghana, where homosexuality is openly condemned and gay sex is punishable by law, LGBTQ+ couple Kay and Naa Shika grapple with fear and discrimination that overshadow their desire for acceptance and safety. The couple, who have been living together for eight months, hide their relationship to avoid hostility and potential harm.
Kay, a 27-year-old lesbian woman, revealed the couple’s ordeal to Reuters in Accra, emphasising the constant threat to their safety. ‘We are not safe,’ she lamented, highlighting the pervasive atmosphere of fear and suspicion surrounding their sexual orientation.
Their situation has been further complicated by a landmark ruling in December, endorsed by Pope Francis, permitting Roman Catholic priests to bless same-sex couples. However, this decision has sparked strong resistance from African bishops, fuelling resentment rather than acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community in Ghana.
Father Dominic Maximilian Ofori of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference expressed concern that the Pope’s stance had antagonised many Ghanaian Catholics, reflecting the deep-rooted societal and religious conservatism prevalent in the country.
Kay, a former Methodist and LGBTQ+ advocate, acknowledges the uphill battle for acceptance and sees church blessings as a distant luxury. Despite recent debates over LGBTQ+ rights, Ghanaian society remains deeply entrenched in traditional values, hindering progress towards inclusivity.
The couple’s plight underscores the broader challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in Ghana, where there is no comprehensive data on the abuse they endure. Reports of mob justice against suspected gay and transgender individuals highlight the dangers they confront on a daily basis.
Moreover, legislative efforts to criminalise same-sex relations and LGBTQ+ advocacy exacerbate their vulnerability. Proposed laws seek to impose harsh penalties, including imprisonment and conversion therapy, perpetuating discrimination and marginalisation.
Emmanuel K. G. Hailord, a student and LGBTQ+ activist, advocates for creating more accepting branches of religious institutions to foster inclusivity. Despite the daunting obstacles, Kay and Naa Shika remain hopeful for a future where they can formalise their union in an LGBTQ+-friendly environment, emphasising the importance of love, respect, and protection for all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation.