In a compelling presentation at the Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) social dialogue on human rights, Professor James Dzisah from the University of Ghana’s Sociology Department challenged prevailing myths surrounding the relationship between religion and public life.
His remarks were a highlight of the two-day event held on January 20th and 21st, 2025, at the Skyplus Hotel in Ho, Volta Region, which focused on the rights of sexual minorities.
Debunking Myths
Professor Dzisah emphasized that many narratives regarding religion often mischaracterize its role in public discourse.
“We tend to categorize religion as something that exists solely between individuals and their deities, implying a private nature. However, this perception is misleading,” he stated.
He further argued that the public sphere is not merely a space for rational deliberation but is complex and multifaceted, requiring a nuanced understanding of its dynamics.
A Platform for Change
The dialogue brought together religious leaders from various faiths to foster a deeper understanding of human rights issues, particularly those affecting sexual minorities in Ghana.
Dr. Michael Augustus Akagbor, Senior Programs Officer at CDD-Ghana, noted a significant shift in participants’ perspectives throughout the discussions.
“Initially, there was some hostility regarding the influence of religious beliefs on human rights issues. However, many participants began to question their previously held views, leading to a more profound understanding of LGBTQ rights within our democratic discourse,” he remarked.
William Nyarko, Executive Director of the Centre for International Law and Accountability (ACILA), also contributed to the dialogue by addressing Ghana’s constitutional obligations to uphold human rights.
His presentation included a critical analysis of the Ghanaian Family Values Bill, 2021, which he warned could undermine fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution. “The proposed bill poses significant risks to the very fabric of these rights, challenging our commitment to equality and justice,” Nyarko asserted.
Timely Relevance
The dialogue’s timing coincided with President John Dramani Mahama’s recent proposal to revisit the controversial Family Values Bill. Dr. Akagbor supported the initiative, clarifying that the bill lapsed with the previous parliament and will require a new legislative process.
He praised Mahama’s suggestion to promote family values through educational programs rather than legislation.
Dr. Nuworza Kugbey, a psychologist and senior lecturer at the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD), emphasized the critical role of educating religious leaders about human rights. “These leaders hold significant influence over their communities. Without discussions on human rights, abuses can occur unnoticed,” he stated.
Reflections from Participants
Participants reflected on the dialogue’s impact, with Reverend Dr. Francis Moore Nuworku, Regional Pastor for Calvary Charismatic Centre (CCC), describing the event as “impactful and enlightening.”
He acknowledged the need for broader discourse regarding the Family Values Bill, stating, “Many of us arrived with entrenched beliefs, but we now see the importance of understanding different perspectives.”
Reverend Cynthia Allotey of Kingdom Fire City Chapel in Ho expressed gratitude for the dialogue, asserting the responsibility of religious leaders to educate themselves and their congregations. “This event has illuminated the complexities surrounding human rights issues. We can no longer ignore these discussions; empathy and understanding are crucial,” she said.
A Call for Ongoing Education
The collective sentiment among participants underscored the necessity for ongoing education and dialogue within their communities. One anonymous participant remarked, “It’s not just about legislation; it’s about how we treat individuals in our society. This dialogue has equipped us with the tools for more informed discussions.”
Both Dr. Akagbor and Dr. Kugbey highlighted the importance of informed decision-making among religious leaders, encouraging them to embrace the knowledge shared during the dialogue. Dr. Kugbey concluded, “Let’s educate ourselves to ensure that our decisions benefit everyone in society.”
This event marked a crucial 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.