Rev. Ntim Fordjour Blames President Mahama and NDC for ‘Desecration’ of Independence Square by Foreign Gay Couple

Accuses the President of moral leniency as a LGBTQ+ video at Ghana’s iconic national monument sparks public outrage.

In the wake of a widely circulated video showing two foreign gay men kissing and celebrating what appears to be a symbolic wedding at Ghana’s historic Independence Square, Member of Parliament for Assin South and Ranking Member on Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, has launched a scathing critique against President John Dramani Mahama and the rulling National Democratic Congress (NDC). He accuses them of cultivating an environment of moral permissiveness that has allegedly emboldened such acts of what he terms “cultural defilement.”

The video, which has gone viral across social media platforms, depicts two men—identified by some as foreign nationals—embracing and kissing in front of the Black Star Gate, with the Ghanaian flag prominently displayed. The footage appears to capture a form of nuptial celebration, prompting outrage among sections of the Ghanaian public who regard the Independence Arch as a solemn emblem of national pride, struggle, and sovereignty.

In a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), Rev. Fordjour described the event as nothing short of a “desecration” of one of Ghana’s most sacred national monuments. “Under Mahama & NDC, foreign gay couple boldly desecrate our national monuments: kiss under Independence Square flaunting Ghana flag,” he posted. “They’re emboldened to defy the dignity and sanctity of our rich Ghanaian values right before our eyes.”

According to the Assin South legislator, the incident is not an isolated act of personal freedom but rather an alarming symbol of a broader societal erosion, which he believes has been silently nurtured under the leadership and ideological tolerance of the NDC. He alleged that the party’s failure to take a decisive stance against LGBTQ+ advocacy has opened the door to public expressions that, in his words, “assault the conscience of the Ghanaian people.”

Political Undertones and Cultural Tensions

Rev. Fordjour’s remarks are the latest in an ongoing political and moral battle over the future of LGBTQ+ rights in Ghana—a debate that continues to dominate both public and parliamentary discourse. The MP’s comments reflect the growing tension between conservative cultural values and rising global advocacy for LGBTQ+ inclusion and rights.

He asserted that under the tenure of President Mahama, Ghana witnessed what he termed a “creeping liberalism” that eroded traditional Ghanaian norms and customs. “When national leadership shows indecision or tolerance towards values that contradict our moral foundation, these are the results,” he said. “The dignity of Independence Square was not just violated—it was mocked in broad daylight, in full view of the world.”

The Independence Square, also known as Black Star Square, is a highly symbolic location. It commemorates Ghana’s liberation from colonial rule and is the site of national events such as Independence Day parades and state funerals. Its sanctity is therefore regarded with reverence by many Ghanaians. The video in question has been perceived by critics like Rev. Fordjour as an affront not only to cultural norms but to national dignity.

Call for Swift Legislative Action

The incident has renewed calls among conservative lawmakers and religious leaders for the swift passage of the controversial “Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill,” commonly referred to as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill. The bill, which has sparked sharp divisions in Ghana and drawn criticism from international rights organizations, seeks to criminalise LGBTQ+ activities, advocacy, and support networks.

Rev. Fordjour reaffirmed his strong support for the legislation, stating, “This absurdity must come to an end. We shall restore order and dignity through the bill. Ghana must be a bastion of moral integrity, not a playground for cultural defiance.”

The bill is currently before Parliament, and while it enjoys significant support from both major parties, its final passage has been delayed amid legal challenges, human rights concerns, and diplomatic pressure from Western governments and advocacy groups. Supporters of the bill argue that it aligns with the majority view of Ghanaians and protects the nation’s cultural and religious values. Opponents, however, warn of the potential for widespread discrimination, vigilante violence, and the suppression of personal freedoms.

Public Reaction and National Discourse

The viral video has sparked widespread debate among Ghanaians, with many expressing outrage and disappointment across various platforms. Some called for the individuals in the video to be identified and barred from entering the country again, while others urged for tighter regulations at national landmarks.

Religious organizations and traditional authorities have also weighed in, calling for a nationwide reaffirmation of Ghana’s moral code. The Christian Council of Ghana, as well as prominent Muslim clerics, have reiterated their opposition to what they view as the importation of foreign values that threaten the fabric of Ghanaian society.

Ongoing Debate on National Identity

As Parliament prepares for what may be a decisive vote on the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, the Independence Square incident is likely to polarize public opinion further. For Rev. Ntim Fordjour and others who share his convictions, the moment has become a rallying cry—a visible manifestation of what they see as an urgent need to legislate morality and reaffirm Ghana’s cultural sovereignty.

“The battle we are fighting is not against people,” Rev. Fordjour noted in a follow-up statement. “It is against ideologies and influences that threaten to redefine who we are as a people. Ghana’s values must not be negotiated—they must be protected.”

In the days ahead, the nation’s legislators, religious leaders, civil society actors, and citizens will continue to grapple with the implications—not only of this viral moment, but also of the broader questions it raises about identity, freedom, law, and the nation’s soul.