Homosexuality in Ghana: Controversies in Science, The Law, and Religious Responses

Abstract

The paper discusses homosexuality in Ghana and the uncertainties in science and the Ghanaian criminal law on the subject. The study also provides a religious assessment on the phenomenon. Study statistics demonstrate that the phenomenon is spreading in Ghana. For example, in 2010, an estimated 8,000 gay persons were living in the Western and Central regions; and over 30,000 men slept with men in Ghana in 2011 alone. In 2014 there were over 200,000 gays in the country, forming about one percent of the total population. Today with Ghana’s population over 26, 000, 000, these statistics might increase. The study involves a qualitative case studies and a survey of a selected cross-section of homosexual prone communities, and educational institutions in Ghana; and is framed by social learning theory. The study has realized that homosexuality in Ghana is a learned behavior.  This present study calls for an urgent development policy discussion leading to a positive practical intervention by government and religious bodies.  The study is important because it highlights the state of homosexuality in Ghana and suggests ways of dealing with it. It also contributes to the existing local and global theory on the phenomenon.

Keywords: Homosexuality, heterosexual, Culture, Biblical stance, scientific view, law.