Govt bans International Homo Conference

Homosexuality, lesbianism are offences under the laws of Ghana
Accra, Aug. 31, GNA - The government on Thursday banned an International Gays and Lesbians Conference, which had been scheduled for Accra in the third week of September, saying it would not condone any activity that violently offended the culture and morality of the people.

"Government would like to make it absolutely clear that it shall not permit the proposed conference of International Gays and Lesbians to take place anywhere in Ghana," a statement signed by Mr Kwame Bartels, Minister of Information and National Orientation said.

"Government does not and shall not condone any such activity which violently offends the culture, morality and heritage of the entire people of Ghana," he added.

Mr Bartels said Ghanaians were a unique people whose culture, morality and heritage totally abhorred homosexual and lesbian practices and any other form of unnatural sexual acts.

"Unnatural carnal knowledge is illegal under our criminal code. Homosexuality, lesbianism and bestiality are therefore offences under the laws of Ghana."

Mr Bartels said the Minister of the Interior had been directed to investigate, through the security agencies, the officials who were purported to have given permission for the organizing of the conference at the International Conference Centre.

"The Minister (of the Interior) is further directed to institute disciplinary action if they are found to have acted in contravention of our laws."

Many members of the public, including the clergy, had spoken against the hosting of the conference in Ghana, saying it offended the culture and sensibilities of the country.