Member of Parliament for Old Tafo, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, has formally petitioned President John Dramani Mahama following the circulation of a viral video showing two men kissing under Ghana’s Independence Arch, an act the MP says threatens the nation’s spiritual and cultural identity.
The video, featuring two South African nationals, Lue and Rue, has sparked intense debate online, with many conservative groups and religious leaders expressing outrage. In a petition dated Thursday, June 26, Assafuah urged the President to publicly condemn the act and take urgent legislative steps to prevent similar displays in the future.
“I am pleading with you, Your Excellency, let your voice be heard now. Condemn what has happened. Speak to the nation. Reaffirm your commitment to upholding our values,” the MP wrote.
“This Is About the Soul of Ghana” – Assafuah Declares
According to the MP, the video is not merely a political matter but a spiritual and cultural violation that undermines Ghana’s traditional values and public morality. He called on President Mahama to demonstrate leadership that goes beyond politics and reflects a commitment to preserving the nation’s moral compass.
“This moment is not political. It is spiritual. It is about the soul of Ghana,” Assafuah emphasized.
A Call for Legislative Urgency
Assafuah further compared the situation to Parliament’s past handling of urgent bills, referencing the swift passage of the “Dumsor Levy”. He argued that the defense of national morality deserves even more urgency.
“If Parliament and the Executive were able to pass the ‘Dumsor Levy’ under a certificate of urgency, surely the moral defence of this country deserves the same urgency if not more,” he said.
Background and Reactions
The video, which shows Lue and Rue sharing a kiss while draped in the Ghanaian flag at the symbolic Independence Square, has been widely condemned by traditionalists and religious leaders, who say it disrespects national symbols and violates deeply held cultural norms.
Though the individuals involved are foreigners, their act has reignited conversations around LGBTQ+ rights, public decency, and national identity in Ghana.
What’s Next?
Assafuah’s petition adds to growing pressure on President Mahama and Parliament to reaffirm Ghana’s position on LGBTQ+ matters. It also reflects a wider demand among conservative sectors for more robust and urgent legislative action to protect what they describe as the moral fabric of the country.
As the debate continues, all eyes will be on how the President responds—and whether the government will treat this incident as a cultural flashpoint or a legal turning point.
Source: https://www.ghanaweb.com/
