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We’ve no authority and won’t seek one to legalise same-sex marriage – Prez
Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo who was criticised for his comment on same-sex marriage last year has stated his government has no plan whatsoever to change the country’s laws to legalise same-sex marriages.
The President in November last year suggested in an interview with Aljazeera that homosexuality was bound to happen in Ghana and that it is currently illegal because there are not enough activists pushing for its legalization.
“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 then have a new paradigm in Ghana,” he said.
When asked whether such a movement should it arise, the President said “I think that it is something that is bound to happen”.
His comments were highly criticised by Ghanaians, especially by the various religious groups who are opposed legalization of same sex. Some said the President’s comment is suggestive to that fact that he plans on legalizing same sex marriage in Ghana.
Though he subsequently explained his comment, and stated on several occasions that he does not have plans to change the laws on same sex marriage, many continue to accuse him of suggesting an a possible legalisation of same sex marriage in the country.
Addressing the 2018 Synod of the Global Evangelical Church at the University of Ghana Thursday in Accra, Nana Akufo-Addo said government does not have the power to change the laws on same sex marriage.
“Let me assure that this government has no plan to change the law on same sex marriage, we have no authority, and we will not seek any authority to do so,” President Akufo-Addo stated categorically.
The President also charged the clergy and the church in general to remain committed to reforming society through biblical teachings and guidance.
He noted that the church ought to work together with government, since both arms have the responsibility of transforming society and making sure that societal needs are met.
Nana Akufo-Addo charged the clergy to continue putting government on its toes, and disregard critics who say men of God should not interfere in politics.
“There should be no doubt in anybody’s mind that the men of God have the moral authority to hold the political leadership to scrutiny and account.”
According to the president, the church forms part of society, hence, authorities of the church have equal rights to question political leaders in the interest of their congregation.
By Irene Amesimeku| 3news.com| Ghana
