The Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, has sparked controversy by calling on the West to promote polygamy instead of same-sex relationships, which he views as an affront to his Christian and traditionalist beliefs.
When questioned about Western values, he said, “I believe the West should promote polygamy. Why do they promote same-sex relationships and think polygamy is bad? I don’t understand why they are so concerned about human rights and yet they don’t respect our cultural and traditional values.”
The Ga Mantse emphasized that individual privileges and preferences should not be the focus of public interest, stating, “I love everybody, but I cannot accept something that is against our culture and tradition. We need to respect our cultural heritage and not allow foreign values to erode our way of life.”
King Tsuru II also urged advocates of LGBTQ+ rights to consider promoting polygamy, saying, “If they are fighting for their rights, then we should also fight for our rights to practice our culture and tradition. Polygamy is part of our tradition, and we should be allowed to practice it without fear of persecution.”
Meanwhile, Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame has requested live coverage of the court proceedings regarding the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, currently under legal scrutiny by Ghana’s Supreme Court. In a letter to the Chief Justice, Dame highlighted the significant public interest in the case, advocating for full media access.
The referenced cases include Supreme Court suits Dr. Amanda Odoi v. The Speaker of Parliament and Another (Suit No. J1/13/2023) and Richard Dela Sky v. The Parliament of Ghana and Another (Suit No. J1/9/2024).
Prominent religious leader Dr. Lawrence Tetteh, founder and President of the Worldwide Miracle Outreach, has also vowed to protest if President Akufo-Addo does not sign the anti-LGBTQI bill into law. Tetteh declared his intention to march to the Jubilee House, criticizing political and religious leaders for their silence on the matter.
“I’ll march to the Jubilee House. It’s about time we make politicians know we voted them into power. The cowardice that Christian leaders and religious leaders have been reduced to is a shame, and I’m embarrassed by some of our clergymen,” Tetteh stated, urging religious leaders to speak out against LGBTQ+ issues.
The ongoing debate highlights the complex interplay between cultural, religious, and legal perspectives in Ghana, with many calling for respect for traditional values and others advocating for human rights and inclusivity.
