On Monday, March 27, 2023, the Jubilee House, Ghana’s seat of presidency, was lit up with the colours of the Ghana and American flags in honour of the visit by US Vice President, Kamala Harris. This gesture was met with some negative reactions from some individuals in Ghana, who misconstrued the lighting to reflect the rainbow colours of the LGBTQ+ movement. Some critics went as far as claiming that the lighting was an attempt to promote homosexuality in Ghana.
However, such claims are based on misinformation and ignorance, as the lighting of the Jubilee House was a simple gesture of respect and friendship between two nations. It is important to note that the use of colours of the American and Ghanaian flags together does not reflect any LGBTQ+ symbolism, and there is no evidence to suggest that the lighting was an attempt to promote homosexuality in Ghana.
It is essential for individuals to be properly informed before making any claims or accusations, especially when it comes to sensitive topics like sexuality. It is crucial to avoid spreading misinformation that can lead to unnecessary panic or negative reactions. Instead, individuals should seek to educate themselves on the facts and engage in constructive discussions
that promote mutual respect and understanding
In a Facebook post spotted by priningonline , Afia Pokuaa responded to the criticism directed towards her, attributing it to ignorance and misinformation. She expressed her frustration at Ghanaians’ tendency to focus on trivial matters rather than more productive issues
“The level of IGNORANCE and MISINFORMATION in this country is at an epic level. How can anyone say that the jubilee house has been draped with LGBTQ+ colours yet the same people were jubilating when the Burj Khalifa in Dubai was lit with Ghana colours????? Seriously? It doesn’t take you taking an international relations class to understand these basic things oh?
“Ghana has moved from producing tires, batteries, and glass to a state where we can’t even produce commercial starch from cassava and this is the issue that we are focusing on. ASSUMING IT WAS RAINBOW COLORS, SO GOD DIDN’T CREATE THE RAINBOW AFTER THE NOAH FLOOD EH,” she added
On Monday, during a joint address with President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the US Vice President raised concerns about the anti-homosexuality bill currently before Parliament in Ghana. She stated that she strongly believes in the importance of supporting freedom and fighting for equality among all people, including those in the LGBT community. She stressed that this is a human rights issue, and the US government considers it as such.
President Akufo-Addo responded by assuring that the government had made significant input into the legislation through the Attorney General. He also mentioned that the anti-LGBT bill was championed by only a handful of MPs and is currently being considered by Parliament. Even if the bill is passed, it will still have to be ratified by the President.
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