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Ghana: Audacity of homosexuals
Homosexual conduct is criminalised by Ghana’s criminal laws.
Section 104 (1) (b) of Ghana’s Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) abhors consensual same-sex intercourse and prohibits it.
So, it is very clear that consensual same-sex relations is a criminal offence within the meaning of Ghana’s Criminal Offences Act.
The Sexual Offences Act also makes illegal, other sexual acts performed by heterosexuals, thus, suggesting that it is a criminal offence, punishable by the laws of Ghana, for a male to penetrate the anus (sodomy) or mouth of a female or a male with his penis.
Indeed, the only mode of sexual intercourse which does not offend Ghanaian law, is sexual intercourse through the vagina by penile penetration.
What then is homosexuality? It is a romantic attraction or sexual behaviour between members of same-sex or gender.
What is lesbianism too? It is also called sapphism or female homosexuality. It is the tendency of a human female to be emotionally and usually, sexually attracted to other females.
What is gay? Gay is a term that primarily refers to a homosexual person or the trait of being homosexual. It also refers to the community, practices and cultures associated with homosexuality.
Is it natural as to be same-sex attracted? According to the Australian Psychological Society, being same-sex attracted is a natural as being opposite-sex attracted, and that it is not possible to force someone to change their sexuality through any psychological or medical means.
Who is a bisexual? It is romantic or sexual attraction towards both males and females or to more than one sex or gender.
And who is a heterosexual? A person sexually attracted to people of the opposite sex
Across cultures, most people are heterosexuals, with a minority of people having homosexual or bisexual orientation.
According to proponents of gayism, however, some people have difficulty accepting others who are different, whether it is because of their race, sex, sexuality or religion.
They claim that if you are being harassed, judged or made to feel bad about yourself by someone else because of your sexuality, remember that there is nothing wrong with you; and that the problem is the other person’s ignorance and intolerance.
The Humanist Association of Ghana says,” tonnes of research data and anthropological work inform that semi-sex behaviour existed in pre-colonial and pre-Islamic sub-Saharan Africa.
Painfully, we are now witnessing the intrusion of rotten and stinking European and American culture of homosexuality across the African continent.
The Humanist Association of Ghana contends that, “the wave of homophobia currently sweeping our country and large parts of the African continent is the result of works of bigoted homophobic Judeao-Christian missionaries.”
Others, however, vehemently disagree, insisting that “homosexuality today has become a cult; a club and a foundation.”
And some people are promoting and pumping billions of dollars into homosexuality, so that such unusual and abnormal behaviour, should be accepted by force by the world.
This is the strength of the danger and for which matter we must stand up against it as a nation.
It is instructive to recall that the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex Rights Ghana, (LGBTQI) as they call themselves, opened their office in Accra on January 31, 2021, with the express intent to spread its tentacles in the country.
The European Union in Ghana has openly thrown its full weight behind the LGBTQI+ promoters in the country, claiming that equality, tolerance and respect for one another are core values of the European Union.
Strong opposition against the emerging LGBTQI+ community in the country is gaining tap-roots. They include the clergy, traditional rulers and teacher unions. They strongly argue that homosexuality is not a rights issue.
They are, therefore, urging the state to disallow the LGBTQI+ community from operating in the country.
The National Coalition for Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values, must be commended for its relentless battle against the planting of LGBTQI+ seeds on the fertile soil of Ghana.
The coalition advocates against the activities of LGBTQI+ movement in Ghana. It has called for the office to be closed.
Mr Moses Foh-Amoaning, Executive Secretary of the coalition says; “the existence of a LGBTQI+ office in Accra is illegal and an affront to the laws , traditions and customs of Ghana.”
Foh-Amoaning says, “Ghana has not signed any international law permitting the promotion of LGBTQI+ activities in the country,” stressing that “any attempt by anyone to promote the activities of the group amounts to illegality.”
Foh-Amoaning has chastised the international community in Ghana, “for promoting an act which is alien to the customs and traditions of Ghanaians and which infringes on the sovereignty of our state.”
“The actions of the LGBTQI+ movement is completely at variance with the laws of God as contained in the Holy Bible, concerning God’s plan of creation and the sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman and as ordained by God,” Rev. Professor Paul Frimpong Manso, President of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council, has said in a press statement he signed and issued in Accra on February 22, 2021.
As a nation, if we succumb to European and American homosexual pressures; if we compromise our consciences; if we mortgage our traditions; then history and posterity will deal bitterly with the current crop of our leaders.
Wherever we find ourselves as leaders in our society we must search our consciences clearly over the raging issue of homosexuality.
For, if we condone the emerging fire of homosexuality and betray the sacred trust reposed in us by our people, we will have done more harm to Ghana than the European imperialists, colonialists and missionaries did to the Gold Coast.
If we debase our nation’s integrity and traditions and barter them away; we will have become worse than the worst of the misguided chauvinistic imperialists.
Refreshingly, however, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, repeatedly says, “the activities of the LGBTQI+ in the country will never be legalised” under his presidency.
By G Frank Asmah
The driver stopped the vehicle at the gate of the large, fenced property along the Nsawam Highway, and Kakraba stepped out to meet the several workers who had gathered to wait for him.
He greeted them and went straight to the point.
“Gentlemen, I am glad to see that you have almost completed the clearing of the land. I’m happy to report that we have concluded all arrangements with Nana Serebour, and construction of the palace will start in a few days.
“I will need you to go and level the ground, and then come back to start this project. Some workers from a construction company will come and join us.
“My plan is to build twenty houses in four months. Then we will do twenty more until we reach two hundred.
“I am relying on you to help me deliver good-quality work to satisfy our clients and, as I have already indicated to you, I will reward you for your work.”
After an hour’s discussion, he closed the meeting and moved to drive away. Wofa Yaw drew closer.
“Director, can you please spare me five minutes? I would like to discuss a small issue.”
“Why, Wofa Yaw? Your wife has threatened to leave you?”
“No, Director. My wife will never leave me. This concerns a young niece of mine.”
“I hope it’s something I can help with. Please sit in the car and let me hear you.”
“Boss, my niece, Beesiwa, is a polytechnic graduate, very beautiful and with very good character.
“Unfortunately, her parents virtually forced her into a relationship with an idiot based in the US, which affected her badly. She has now recovered from that experience and, Boss, I am respectfully asking if you would find a job for her.
“I promise you that you will never regret it.”
“Well, Wofa Yaw, let me meet her and speak with her. I may be able to help, maybe not in the way you expect, but let me meet her.
“I will not be back here for another week, but I will be at the office throughout next week. You can come with her.”
On Monday morning, Wofa Yaw and Beesiwa were seated at the office by nine o’clock. Three young ladies welcomed them warmly, offered them soft drinks and assured them that Kakraba would be there shortly.
They then returned to their desks and sat behind computers with large screens displaying various building designs.
Kakraba walked in and greeted them warmly. After chatting briefly with the three ladies, he ushered Wofa Yaw and Beesiwa into his office.
“Director, this is my niece, Beesiwa. I mentioned her to you when you came to Nsawam.”
“Yes, indeed. Madam Beesiwa, you are very beautiful, just as your uncle said. Wofa Yaw is my colleague.
“We have just started a building project that will take about three to four years. He mentioned that you have a small problem, so I said I would like to meet you and see how I can help.
“So, Beesiwa, please tell me a little about yourself.”
Beesiwa described her childhood, her school experience, her brief work at the bank and the nasty episode with Sammy Abrokwa, which shattered her peaceful life. She also explained how she had been recovering from the experience.
“I am really sorry to hear this,” Kakraba said. “Now, here is what we are going to do.
“We are a small but very busy company. The three ladies out there spend most of the day on site and come back to report on their work in the morning.
“I have three main projects. The big one is an estate project in Nsawam, where your uncle is one of my main colleagues. I need a personal assistant who can take care of my activities, especially when I am not in town.
“Now, we will have to start with trust. Based on what I know about Wofa Yaw, and based on what you yourself have told me, I think we can start on a sound basis.
“So, Wofa Yaw will take you to my home. You can move into one of the four guest rooms.”
“Sir, I have taken some computer lessons, and I have even done graphics and web design,” Beesiwa said.
“Fantastic! I will give you a good phone and a laptop. I will also arrange computer lessons for you.”
“Now, Wofa Yaw, take her home. My sister, Kuukuwa, will meet you and show you around, and then you can return to Koforidua.
“When would you like to start work?”
“Sir, I would like to start today, but I would need to go and bring my things.”
“No problem. Take a taxi to my house, meet my sister, and let me know what you decide.”
Later that day, Kakraba and the three ladies met with some bank officials to conclude the sale of the three buildings at Adabraka.
They closed at five-thirty and, after rewarding the ladies for their hard work, Kakraba got home just after dark.
He was surprised to find Kuukuwa and Beesiwa sitting at the table enjoying supper.
“What’s happening here?” he asked. “Beesiwa, I thought you would return to Koforidua.”
“She changed her mind,” Kuukuwa said. “We went to the mall and bought a few things for her. Then we came back to cook. She has made some nice changes to your bedroom and cooked a couple of interesting dishes. Sit down; we will serve you.”
“Well, I certainly can’t refuse that. It’s been a busy day.
“So, what’s the plan now? Will Beesiwa go to Koforidua tomorrow, gather her things together and come down?”
“No, I will stay here for a while,” Beesiwa replied. “Kuukuwa bought me the things I need, so I may go back next week. I’m ready to start work. What would you like me to start with?”
“Well, you can come to the office tomorrow morning, meet the three girls and get a feel for what we do.
“Since you are living here, at least for now, we can discuss the plans for the next few weeks.
“Sometimes there are gaps when I travel up north. You can take care of things from now. I think the girls would like having someone like you around.”
By Ekow de Heer
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A frequent question following breast surgery is whether human tissue possesses the regenerative capacity to restore an excised organ.
From a strict physiological standpoint, a completely removed breast cannot regrow. Unlike certain organisms that can regenerate complex limbs or organs, adult human tissues—particularly specialised glandular structures—lack the cellular machinery required to rebuild an entire organ after its total surgical removal.
Instead, the body heals the surgical site through processes such as scar tissue formation and re-epithelialisation rather than complete cellular regeneration.
What a mastectomy actually removes
To understand why natural tissue regeneration does not occur, it is important to examine the surgical scope of a mastectomy.
Depending on the type of procedure and the medical reason for surgery, a mastectomy may involve the removal of:
Glandular architecture: The milk-producing lobules and ducts that form the functional core of the mammary gland.
Adipose tissue: The fatty tissue that contributes to breast volume, projection and contour.
Other breast tissue: The extent of tissue removal varies according to the type of mastectomy and the need to achieve appropriate surgical clearance.
Because specialised breast structures are physically removed, the body does not rebuild a complete mammary gland. Instead, healing occurs through tissue repair and scar formation.
Distinguishing residual tissue from “regrowth”
Patients or observers may notice changes in the chest area after surgery, sometimes leading to misconceptions about tissue regeneration.
Skin- and nipple-sparing procedures
Modern breast surgery may preserve the outer skin envelope or, in selected cases, the nipple-areola complex. Small amounts of breast tissue may remain depending on the surgical technique. Any changes in remaining tissue due to hormonal fluctuations represent residual tissue responding to the body, rather than the regrowth of a completely removed breast.
Adipose accumulation
Weight gain after surgery can increase the amount of subcutaneous fat across the chest wall. However, this is part of general body fat distribution and does not represent the regeneration of a mammary gland.
Modern reconstructive pathways
Because a completely removed breast does not naturally regenerate, modern medicine offers reconstructive options aimed at restoring physical symmetry, contour and body image.
The two main approaches are implant-based reconstruction and autologous, or tissue-based, reconstruction.
Implant-based reconstruction
Implant-based reconstruction uses synthetic medical devices, typically filled with silicone gel or saline, to rebuild the breast mound following a mastectomy.
The two-stage process: This approach may begin with the placement of a temporary tissue expander to gradually create space and stretch the surrounding tissues. A later procedure may then be performed to place a permanent implant.
Recovery profile: Implant-based reconstruction generally involves a shorter initial surgery and recovery period compared with procedures that require tissue to be harvested from another part of the body.
Long-term considerations: Breast implants are not lifetime devices and require ongoing medical monitoring. Some patients may need additional procedures over time because of complications or changes in the implant or surrounding tissue.
Autologous or tissue-based reconstruction
Autologous reconstruction uses the patient’s own living tissue to create a new breast mound. Tissue may be transferred from another part of the body, commonly the lower abdomen, using procedures such as a DIEP flap.
Natural look and feel: Because the reconstruction uses living tissue, it can provide a natural warmth, texture and softness. The tissue may also change with the patient’s body weight over time.
Long-term durability: Once healing is complete, autologous reconstruction can provide a long-lasting result without the need to replace an implant. However, some patients may still require further procedures.
Complex surgery: This option usually involves a longer operation and recovery period. In microsurgical procedures, surgeons may need to reconnect tiny blood vessels to establish blood flow to the transferred tissue.
Direct comparison
When choosing between these two reconstructive pathways, patients and their surgical teams must consider several physical, medical and lifestyle factors.
Surgical burden: Implant surgery is generally less invasive, while flap reconstruction involves surgery at both the chest and the donor site.
Foreign material versus native tissue: Implants involve the use of a medical device, while autologous reconstruction uses the patient’s own tissue.
Recovery: The recovery timelines and rehabilitation requirements differ significantly between the two procedures.
Recovery and physical rehabilitation
Recovering from breast reconstruction requires patience, careful pacing and, in some cases, structured physical rehabilitation.
Because implant-based and autologous tissue-flap procedures involve different surgical techniques, their healing timelines and physical therapy milestones can vary considerably.
Understanding these differences is important for patients considering reconstruction, as the choice involves more than restoring physical appearance. It also requires careful consideration of recovery, long-term monitoring, lifestyle and individual medical needs.
Part 2 will examine recovery timelines, physical therapy milestones and other factors patients should consider when choosing between reconstructive options.
By Robert Ekow Grimmond-Thompson
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