CDD-Ghana hosts dialogue on human rights with religious leaders in Ho

Accra, Jan 24, GNA – The Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) has held a two-day social dialogue centred on human rights, particularly focusing on the rights of sexual minorities.

The discussions aimed to deepen the understanding of participants on human rights issues, with a particular emphasis on the rights of sexual minorities in Ghana.

Dr. Michael Augustus Akagbor, Senior Programmes Officer at CDD-Ghana, observed a remarkable transformation in participants’ perspectives throughout the dialogue, remarking, “Initially, there was some hostility regarding the influence of religious beliefs on human rights issues.

“However, by the end of the dialogue, many participants began to question their previously held views, leading to a deeper understanding of human rights and the importance of LGBTQ rights in our democratic discourse.”

Prof. James Dzisah from the Sociology Department at the University of Ghana addressed the complex interplay between religion, secularism, and democratic rights and pointed out that many prevailing narratives about religion and public life were based on misconceptions.

“We tend to categorize religion as something that is between people and their gods, implying a private character. However, this perception is a myth,” he explained.

Prof. Dzisah said both religion and the public sphere were frequently misrepresented, stating, “The public sphere is neither a realm of straightforward rational deliberation nor a smooth space of informed agreement.”

In a presentation, Mr William Nyarko, Executive Director of the Centre for International Law and Accountability (ACILA) focused on “Human Rights, The Constitution, and Ghana’s International Obligations to Promote, Protect, and Fulfil the Human Rights of all Persons,” along with an examination of “The implications of the Ghanaian Family Values Bill, 2021.”

He stressed the importance of adhering to international human rights standards, asserting, “The Ghanaian Constitution enshrines fundamental human rights that must be upheld for all citizens, regardless of their sexual orientation.

The proposed Family Values Bill poses significant risks to the fabric of these rights, undermining our commitment to equality and justice.”

The timing of this dialogue is particularly relevant, as President John Dramani Mahama has suggested revisiting the contentious Ghanaian Family Values Bill 2021.

Dr. Nuworza Kugbey, a psychologist and senior lecturer at the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD), highlighted the critical need for educating religious leaders about human rights.

He stated, “These leaders hold significant influence over their communities. Without discussions on human rights, abuses can occur without awareness.”

Participants reflected on the dialogue during interviews, with Reverend Dr. Francis Moore Nuworku, Regional Pastor for Calvary Charismatic Centre (CCC) in the Volta Region, describing the event as “impactful and enlightening.”

He echoed Dr. Kugbey’s concerns regarding the Family Values Bill, noting, “Many of us arrived with entrenched beliefs about the bill, but we now see the need for broader discourse and understanding.”

Reverend Cynthia Allotey of Kingdom Fire City Chapel in Ho also expressed gratitude for the dialogue, stating, “We have a responsibility to educate ourselves and our congregations.

This event has illuminated the complexities surrounding human rights issues. We can no longer ignore these discussions; it’s crucial that we approach them with empathy and understanding.”

This event marked a significant step in fostering meaningful conversations about human rights and the implications of legislation affecting sexual minorities, paving the way for more inclusive discussions in the future.

GNA