Association of gays, lesbians in Ghana to embark on historic peace march in Accra

Ghana's gay community is planning on embarking on a "peace walk"to thank President Akufo-Addo for his recent statement on homosexuals.

Members of the association of gays and lesbians have congratulated president of the republic, Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo for his "emphatic response" on the discrimination of homosexuals in Ghana.

Nana Addo in an interview with Aljazeera made the point that although the pressure to legalize homosexuality is not that severe, Ghana is likely to legalize same-sex marriage in the future.

Reacting to the president's statement, Ghana's LGBTQI association hinted of a peaceful march in from Obra Spot in Accra to the Flagstaff House to present a formal plea to him.

"Consistent with our calm demeanor there will be a peaceful Movement Walk on Friday 15th December 2017 from Obra Spot to the Flagstaff house to thank the President Akufo Addo and his government and present the mission and vision of the LGBTQI Movement," excerpts of the statement reads.

Nana Addo's statement on Aljazeera has caused a stir in the country with religious groups responding with opposing views. The Christian Council has argued that legalizing homosexuality has the potential of ripping off the family culture of Ghana and that same-sex marriage is a deadly threat to Ghana. Ghana's conservative society has seen the gay community mostly silent and in hiding as cases of stigma and brutality abounds.

To this effect, members of the gay community often risk their lives moving out of the country to get married or freely live their lives. YEN.com.gh had earlier told the news of how a former school prefect of the Achimota School married his American gay boyfriend after years of being together. Also, a group of 8 Ghanaians in Canada is seeking out signatures to pressurize government of Ghana to respect the rights of the LGBT community - a development which has seen several Ghanaians lash out at them on social media.

Being gay in Ghana comes with grave challenges with the most brutal and deadly been mob justice - a development which continues to see the LGBT community in Ghana always in hiding. With this bold step taken by Stephen, it remains uncertain if many more gay men in Ghana could take the challenge or risk of leaving their country to live the life they so wish to live.