Accra, Ghana – June 26, 2025 – Hon. Samuel Nartey George, the Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram and Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, has sparked controversy by calling for the arrest of a South African gay couple photographed kissing at Ghana’s iconic Independence Monument. The images, which went viral on social media, have reignited debates over LGBTQ+ rights in Ghana, with Sam George, a vocal advocate for the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, condemning the act as a “disrespect of our culture and values.”
In a strongly worded post on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, Sam George expressed outrage, describing the couple as “useless individuals” and their actions as an “abhorrent disrespect” to Ghana’s national symbols. He urged law enforcement to “identify the two miscreants in the viral photos and apply the full rigours of existing laws on them.” The photos, featuring a light-skinned man in a red and black suit and a dark-skinned man in a red shirt and leather shorts, were initially shared by Kofi Okyere-Darko (KOD), Director of Diaspora Affairs at the Office of the President, who later deleted his post amid backlash. However, the images had already spread widely, prompting reactions from anti-LGBTQ+ advocates and political opponents.
Speaking to the media, KOD) has said that the government is going to investigate to find out and deal with anyone who granted permission for the photographs to be taken at the independence monument.
Sam George, a prominent figure in Ghana’s ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), has been a leading proponent of the ‘Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill 2025,’ commonly known as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill. The legislation, which seeks to criminalize LGBTQ+ identities, activities, funding, and advocacy, was passed by Parliament but not signed into law by former President Nana Akufo-Addo. In his statement, George criticized apologists of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for defending Akufo-Addo’s inaction and called them “shameless” for now demanding action from him and President John Mahama. Months ago, he confirmed that he and his colleagues have resubmitted the bill, which has received approval from the Speaker of Parliament and is awaiting its first reading.
“I have, along with my colleagues in Parliament, re-submitted the Family Values Bill. The values, morals, and innocence of our children MUST be protected,” George stated, reaffirming his unwavering stance against LGBTQ+ activities. He also vowed to push for President John Dramani Mahama to sign the bill into law once it is passed again.
The viral photos, taken at the Black Star Square, a national monument symbolizing Ghana’s independence, have drawn significant outrage on social media. Some users, including political opponents, have used the incident to criticize George and the NDC, while others have supported his call for action, citing cultural and moral concerns. The couple, identified as Rue and Lue, have not publicly responded to the controversy.
Kofi Ofosu Nkansah, former CEO of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), challenged George’s position, pointing out that President Mahama has also not yet signed the bill into law, questioning the consistency of George’s criticism of Akufo-Addo. This exchange highlights the ongoing political tensions surrounding the anti-LGBTQ+ bill and its enforcement.
George’s outspoken advocacy against LGBTQ+ rights dates back years, including his defense of the bill on international platforms like CNN, where he argued that Ghanaian and African cultural values only recognize marriage between a man and a woman. His appointment as Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations has raised concerns among some groups about potential restrictions on media freedom and digital expression, particularly in relation to the enforcement of the anti-LGBTQ+ bill.
The Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA) has previously commended George’s appointment, citing his expertise and commitment to digital rights, but critics warn that his leadership could lead to increased surveillance and censorship, especially if the bill is passed.
As Ghana awaits further developments on the Family Values Bill, the incident at the Independence Monument has intensified debates over cultural values, individual rights, and the role of national symbols. George’s call for the couple’s arrest underscores his firm stance, but it also highlights the complex interplay of politics, culture, and law in Ghana’s evolving digital and social landscape.
KSources: GhanaWeb, MyNewsGH, CitiNewsroom, X, Facebook posts
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