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Opinions of Friday, 1 March 2024

Columnist: Ken Braimah

Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo: Caught between the devil and the deep blue sea

President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo

In the intricate landscape of Ghanaian politics, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo finds himself entangled in a moral dilemma that pits his commitment to religious principles against the call for human rights and inclusivity.

A man with a vision to build a cathedral for God now faces the challenge of
reconciling his faith-driven aspirations with the need to navigate a society torn between tradition and progress.

At the heart of this conundrum is the Anti-LGBT+ bill that recently passed through the Ghanaian parliament. Nana Addo, a leader who has vocally expressed his dedication to serving God, now grapples with legislation that seems to contradict the values of compassion and understanding inherent in Christianity.


On the one hand, the President is committed to constructing a symbol of religious devotion in the form of a national cathedral, a project that reflects his desire to honor God and strengthen the spiritual fabric of the nation.

On the other hand, he faces mounting pressure to support a bill that criminalizes individuals based on their sexual orientation, a move that raises questions about the fundamental principles of tolerance and respect that Christianity teaches.

Reports suggest that President Akufo-Addo is reluctant to sign the controversial anti-LGBTQ+ bill, a stance that aligns with a commitment to upholding the rights of minorities in Ghana.

In a society where the majority opinion prevails, the president's resistance to enacting the legislation is a testament to his acknowledgment of the diverse perspectives that exist within the nation.

The president's dilemma reflects a larger societal struggle to balance traditional values with the evolving global discourse on human rights. As Ghana progresses, the need to protect the rights of all citizens becomes paramount, even when these rights challenge prevailing cultural norms.

Caught between the fervent calls for religious adherence and the imperative to safeguard the rights of the minority, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo finds himself navigating the stormy waters of public opinion.

The delicate balancing act required to steer the ship of the nation toward a harmonious future involves acknowledging the diversity within the country and respecting the rights of every citizen, irrespective of their sexual orientation.

As Ghana grapples with the clash between tradition and progress, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo stands at the helm, facing the challenge of reconciling his commitment to building a cathedral for God with the imperative to protect the rights of the LGBTQ+ community.

In this delicate dance, the president's decisions will undoubtedly shape the future of Ghana, either reinforcing its commitment to inclusivity or succumbing to the pressures of conformity.

The path chosen will determine whether the
nation sails smoothly or is caught between the devil and the deep blue sea.