The fundamental function of a government should be the protection of its people and ensuring the health, happiness, and success of its citizens. In this regard, the Ghanaian government has failed queer people in the country. The bigotry against queer Ghanaians has permeated our systems of government as well, leaving LGBT+ Ghanaians at risk of state-sanctioned violence.

The misinterpretation of Ghana’s anti-sodomy law (section 104 of the Criminal Code of Ghana) has been used by actors of the Ghanaian state to justify the continued persecution of queer Ghanaians by the people who have sworn to protect and serve them. Although this law does not specifically state that homosexuality is illegal, government officials have often cited it as justification for the unconstitutional arrest, prosecution, and detention of queer people in Ghana.

The Ghanaian government has fueled the flames of bigotry in the country by falsely claiming that LGBT+ Ghanaians are a threat to national unity and security. It is time that the Ghanaian government fulfills its duty to protect all Ghanaians, including those queered by heterosexual patriarchy. We are all entitled to safety and security at home and it is the government’s duty to ensure that.