The Ghana Catholic Bishops‘ Conference has called for a more structured and respectful national conversation on LGBTQ-related issues, urging stakeholders to engage with “intellectual seriousness, mutual respect, and moral clarity.”
In a pastoral and public statement dated April 10, 2026, the Conference emphasised the importance of constructive engagement among government, religious leaders, traditional authorities, and civil society.
It cautioned against dismissive rhetoric, stressing that the tone of national discourse is just as important as its substance.
“We therefore call upon all stakeholders—the executive, the legislature, religious leaders, traditional authorities, and civil society—to engage in dialogue marked by intellectual seriousness, mutual respect, and moral clarity.
The tone of our discourse matters as much as its content,” the statement said.
The Bishops also expressed concern over recent remarks by President John Dramani Mahama and Minister for Government Communications Felix Kwakye Ofosu, who reportedly described LGBTQ issues as not a major national priority. According to the Conference, such characterisations risk minimising matters that are deeply significant to many citizens.
“No enduring moral question can be dismissed without cost. To describe such a debate as a ‘waste of time’ risks alienating citizens for whom these issues are existentially meaningful,” the statement noted.
The Conference rejected what it described as a false separation between economic priorities and moral considerations, arguing that the two are closely linked.
It stressed that strong family systems are essential for social stability and long-term economic development, warning that weakening these structures could have broader consequences for the nation.
At the same time, the Bishops reaffirmed the Church’s stance on human dignity, strongly condemning violence, hatred, and unjust discrimination against individuals, regardless of sexual orientation.
While maintaining their doctrinal position on marriage as a union between a man and a woman, they emphasised the need for compassion and respect in all engagements.
Addressing the proposed Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, the Conference urged the President to honour his earlier commitment to assent to the legislation if it is duly passed by Parliament.
However, they also acknowledged the importance of carefully reviewing contentious provisions to ensure fairness and national cohesion.
The statement concluded with a call for unity, thoughtful leadership, and responsible public discourse as Ghana navigates what the Bishops described as a critical moment in balancing economic progress with moral and cultural identity.
Their intervention adds to the growing national conversation on LGBTQ issues, highlighting the need for inclusive, respectful, and well-informed dialogue that reflects the diverse perspectives within Ghanaian society.
Catholic Bishops Call for Dialogue on LGBTQ Debate