Homosexuality is not a crime – Gabby Otchere-Darko

A member of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) Gabby Otchere-Darko has said that homosexuality is not a crime in Ghana.

Gabby Otchere-Darko who is also a renowned lawyer said in a Facebook post that the law of Ghana only identifies an unnatural carnal knowledge as a crime.

“Homosexuality is not a crime in Ghana. That does not necessarily mean that it is legal. What is a crime, per the law, is unnatural carnal knowledge – and that law was taken straight from the criminal code of England & Wales.”
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“Now, lawyers can argue over what is unnatural carnal knowledge to expand and narrow case law. Strictly speaking, having “unnatural carnal knowledge” with even your spouse (lawfully married) of the opposite sex may be construed as an offence!” he added.

His comments follow the controversy surrounding the president’s latest comments on homosexuality.
President Nana Akufo-Addo said on Aljazeera that legalisation of homosexuality is bound to happen in Ghana if public opinion for it legalisation grows stronger.

“I don’t believe that in Ghana, so far, a sufficiently strong coalition has emerged which is having that impact on public opinion that will say: ‘Change it [the law], let’s then have a new paradigm in Ghana.”
“I think it is something that is bound to happen like elsewhere in the world, they are activities of individuals or groups,” he said.

Nana Akufo-Addo’s comments have, however, not gone down well with many Ghanaians, who feel that his comments suggest an endorsement of homosexuality.

Read Gabby’s full explanation below
The President is absolutely, legally right. Homosexuality is NOT a crime in Ghana. That does not necessarily mean that it is legal. What is a crime, per the law, is unnatural carnal knowledge – and that law was taken straight from the criminal code of England & Wales. Now, lawyers can argue over what is unnatural carnal knowledge to expand and narrow case law. Strictly speaking, having “unnatural carnal knowledge” with even your spouse (lawfully married) of the opposite sex may be construed as an offence! Now, you couples of ‘perverse’ proclivities do take a moment to think about that! The President was also right to say that our society doesn’t seem yet ready for legalizing gay marriages. What we must all protect against is the culture of hate against any man or woman for their sexual orientation. You do not have to be pro-gay to respect your neighbour’s right to choose the one he or she wants to love.