A coalition of gay rights activists, known as the Coalition
Against Homophobia in Ghana (CAHG), has been formed to tackle
ongoing anti-gay sentiment throughout the country.
The coalition was formed last Thursday and consists of several gay
rights organizations and activists from within the nation.
The coalition's press release stated: "Recently, the President,
John Evans Atta Mills, denounced homosexuality and promised to take
steps, although unspecified, to combat it. Thus, it is no surprise
that in this context, the Western Region Minister, Paul Evans
Aidoo, made an order for the 'immediate arrest of all homosexuals
in the (Western) region'.
"CAHG vehemently denounces these types of sensationalist,
unfounded, and bigoted attacks against LGBT Ghanaians, who are
brothers, sisters, fathers, mothers, daughters and sons of Ghanaian
families just like any other Ghanaians."
Pink Paper previously reported that Ghanaian politicians,
religious figures and press organizations had been involved in the
homophobic wave sweeping across the nation.
The press release continues: "Contrary to unsubstantiated and
speculative remarks that homosexuals are 'evil', 'filthy', and
'ungodly', LGBT people are our family members, co-workers,
worshippers, taxpayers, voters, media people, pastors and lovers
who deserve the same rights and protection under the Ghanaian
Constitution as anyone else."
