A Call for Justice and Protection: Defending the Rights of Ghana’sLGBTQ+ Community amidst Rising HomophobiaConsistently, Ghana has witnessed an alarming rise in homophobia, driven by the antiLGBTQ+ rhetoric of both political and religious leaders. As the country approaches the 2024general elections, this dangerous rhetoric has intensified, making the LGBTQ+ community aprime target for abuse, discrimination, and violence. Despite the constitutional protections thatshould guarantee safety and equality for all, many within the LGBTQ+ community findthemselves at greater risk. Yet, amidst this wave of hatred, there are voices rising in defense ofdignity and human rights.The Center for Religion and Public Life (CRPL), led by Reverend Canon Confidence Bansah,has taken a bold stand against this tide of homophobia. In its recent workshop themed, “GenderProtection Stereotypes and the Protection of All Persons Before, During, and After theElections: The Role of Security Services,” the CRPL brought together various stakeholders toaddress the urgent issue of protecting human rights, particularly those of the LGBTQ+community. The workshop included high-ranking officials from Ghana’s security forces,alongside representatives from organizations like LGBT+ Rights Ghana and Bread for theWorld.The Role of Religious Leaders in Fanning the Flames of HatredDuring the workshop, Rev. Bansah delivered a powerful opening statement, pointing out thetroubling role that religious leaders have played in stoking homophobia. He argued that whilepoliticians may use anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric for political gain, religious leaders—who are calledto preach love, dignity, and respect for all—bear a deeper responsibility for the current climate.By promoting exclusion and condemning the LGBTQ+ community, these leaders are not onlyviolating the core tenets of their faith but also exposing vulnerable individuals to abuse,harassment, and violence.Rev. Bansah’s message struck a chord, as it highlighted a painful contradiction. Religion,which should be a force for unity and compassion, is being weaponized against the very peopleit should protect. He called for a return to the values of love and dignity for all, remindingreligious leaders of their moral obligation to safeguard the rights of every person, regardless ofgender identity or sexual orientation.The Commitment of Ghana’s Security ForcesOne of the most significant outcomes of the CRPL workshop was the commitment expressedby the country’s security agencies to protect all citizens, including those within the LGBTQ+community. The Assistant Commander of Police and the Assistant Director of Prisons bothstressed that no one is above the law and that law enforcement officers are duty-bound to serveand protect everyone equally. They assured participants that the police and other securityservices would be fully deployed before, during, and after the elections to ensure the safety ofall voters, irrespective of their identity.They also emphasized the shared responsibility of both the security forces and civilians inupholding the law. They urged the LGBTQ+ community to report any instances of abuse ofpower or unlawful behavior by law enforcement officers. In turn, they reiterated theircommitment to take swift action on such cases. These statements offer a glimmer of hope forthose who have long felt abandoned by the very institutions meant to protect them.Building Trust Through Collaboration and TrainingHowever, trust between the LGBTQ+ community and Ghana’s security forces remains fragile,given the historical mistreatment of LGBTQ+ individuals at the hands of law enforcement. Toaddress this, the CRPL workshop called for joint workshops and training sessions aimed atfostering mutual understanding and respect between the police, prison services, and theLGBTQ+ community. These initiatives are essential to breaking down the stereotypes andprejudices that fuel discrimination within the very agencies tasked with upholding justice.Such collaborations are crucial if Ghana is to move towards a more inclusive and just society.The police and security services must be sensitized to the unique challenges faced by theLGBTQ+ community, and in turn, the LGBTQ+ community must be empowered to assert theirrights and hold law enforcement accountable when those rights are violated.A Call for Vigilance and SolidarityAs Ghana moves towards the 2024 elections, it is clear that the fight for LGBTQ+ rights is farfrom over. The rising wave of homophobia, driven by religious and political leaders, hascreated a dangerous atmosphere for LGBTQ+ individuals. However, the recent workshoporganized by the CRPL offers hope that a different path is possible—one where human rightsare respected, and dignity is upheld for all.The LGBTQ+ community, now more than ever, must remain vigilant. Every act of abuse ordiscrimination must be reported, and every violation must be challenged. With the support ofcommitted allies like the CRPL, security services, and human rights organizations, there is agrowing network of support determined to defend the rights and lives of LGBTQ+ Ghanaians.But this is not just a fight for the LGBTQ+ community—it is a fight for the soul of Ghana. Aswe approach the elections, we must ask ourselves: What kind of nation do we want to be? Anation that preaches love but practices hate? Or a nation that stands for justice, equality, andthe protection of all its citizens, regardless of who they love or how they identify?The time for solidarity is now. We must reject the politics of division and hate and standtogether to ensure that Ghana remains a place where every person is free to live in safety anddignity. Let us continue to fight for the protection of all persons, before, during, and after theelections, and beyond.Written by Berinyuy Hans BurinyuyDirector of Communications,LGBT+ Rights Ghana.

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