By Daniel Bampoe
A photo of two queer South African activists embracing beneath Ghana’s iconic Independence Arch has sparked a fierce political and cultural backlash, prompting many Ghanaians to question the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s stance on LGBTQIA+ rights.
The photo, shared online as part of the #ShowGhanaLove campaign, has gone viral—leading to a national debate not just about human rights, but also about political hypocrisy, silence, and double standards.
At the heart of the uproar is a simple but defiant gesture: two men, dressed in bold red, standing beneath the Black Star Arch to peacefully challenge Ghana’s looming anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation.
But for critics of the NDC, the symbolic act has exposed what they describe as a dangerous tolerance or even tacit support for homosexuality under President John Dramani Mahama’s leadership.
Silence from the Loudest Voices
The anger is not just directed at the activists but also at prominent figures who, in the past, have led the charge against LGBTQIA+ rights in Ghana.
Chief among them is Samuel Nartey George, NDC MP for Ningo-Prampram and one of the loudest voices behind Ghana’s anti-gay bill.
He is now being accused of going silent simply because his party is in power.
“Under President Akufo-Addo, if this had happened, Sam George would have called a press conference, marched through the streets, and demanded accountability from the government,” one viral post read.
“But now that it’s under Mahama, not a single word from him. Is it because he’s comfortable and complicit?”
This has led to broader questions about whether the NDC government is quietly supportive of LGBTQIA+ rights, or at the very least unwilling to confront the issue head-on now that it holds the reins of power.
What Happened at Independence Square?
According to the South African activists behind the #ShowGhanaLove campaign, their visit to Ghana was driven by a need to show solidarity with queer Ghanaians, who face potential imprisonment under the anti-LGBTQIA+ bill still before Parliament.
“A few months ago, we read about the Ghanaian government’s attempt to pass an anti-LGBTQIA+ law,” they wrote in a post accompanying their viral photo.
“That law would criminalise being queer and make it illegal to support someone who is. We came to Ghana to meet hate with love.”
Their peaceful act at the Independence Square—a historic national site symbolising Ghana’s freedom—was carefully chosen to make a statement about rights, identity, and visibility.
But for many Ghanaians, the choice of location was seen as provocative and disrespectful.
Critics say it demonstrates a growing boldness by queer activists because they perceive the Mahama-led NDC administration as “friendly” or at least lenient toward LGBTQIA+ activities.
Government Advisor Under Fire
The controversy deepened when Kofi Okyere-Darko (KOD), the Presidential Advisor on Diaspora Affairs, posted the photo with the caption “Who are they?”—only to delete it minutes later.
His post and swift deletion have drawn sharp criticism, with many asking why the government appears blindsided by such a high-profile act at a national monument.
“As a presidential advisor paid with public funds, it’s your job to know who they are,” one commentator said. “Is this government deliberately looking the other way on LGBTQIA+ visibility?”
KOD’s deletion only added fuel to suspicions that key government officials may be trying to quietly avoid backlash by not commenting on the issue—contrary to the NDC’s hardline public rhetoric while in opposition.
Where Are the Religious Voices?
In past years, anti-LGBTQIA+ demonstrations were often accompanied by fiery sermons and public condemnation from Christian pastors and Muslim leaders.
But this time, their silence has been equally deafening.
“Where are the same religious leaders who called homosexuality demonic and un-African?” asked one social media user. “Would they still be quiet if this happened under NPP?”
The perceived absence of public outcry from both the clergy and political figures has led to mounting allegations that the current government is turning a blind eye—if not offering quiet support—to what many conservatives see as a cultural threat.
A Bill Still in Limbo
The anti-LGBTQIA+ bill, which was first introduced in 2021, has been stalled for years despite vocal public support from conservative lawmakers and religious groups.
Observers note that under the current administration, efforts to pass the bill appear to have stalled further—with no clear timetline for debate or voting.
“The NDC has been in power for months now,” said one political analyst. “If they truly wanted to criminalise LGBTQIA+ conduct, the bill would’ve been fast-tracked. The silence and inaction are speaking louder than words.”
The Bigger Picture
While the NDC has not officially declared support for LGBTQIA+ rights, critics argue that the party’s current posture—marked by silence from previously loud voices—may be enabling what they view as a growing LGBTQIA+ presence in public spaces.
The viral image beneath Ghana’s Independence Arch has done more than stir emotion—it has reignited the national debate about values, governance, and the thin line between tolerance and endorsement.
With political pressure mounting and Ghanaians demanding answers, all eyes are now on the Mahama administration to clarify where it truly stands.
