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Professor Gadzekpo criticizes Ghanaian media's biased LGBTQ+ coverage
via GhanaWeb2 min read
Professor Audrey Gadzekpo, former Dean of the School of Information and Communication Studies at the University of Ghana, has criticized Ghanaian media for biased and harmful coverage of LGBTQ+ issues. Speaking at a virtual lecture on April 21, 2026, Professor Gadzekpo stated that the media failed its democratic responsibility by amplifying hostility against sexual minorities instead of promoting balanced national discourse. Her research indicated that Ghana's media became an "instrument of social control" against LGBTQ+ individuals through agenda-setting, sensationalism, deliberate silencing, and uncritical reporting. She highlighted that many outlets did not scrutinize provisions in Ghana's proposed anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, such as clauses requiring citizens to report family members. Professor Gadzekpo also alleged that LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies were routinely excluded or intimidated in media discussions, citing personal experiences of receiving summons from traditional authorities for expressing her views. She noted instances where public figures sympathetic to LGBTQ+ persons faced backlash and were forced to retract comments. Professor Gadzekpo further criticized both the New Patriotic Party and the National Democratic Congress for using anti-LGBTQ+ messaging during the 2024 general elections, with media houses airing campaign advertisements targeting LGBTQ+ persons without challenge. She accused some online media platforms of exploiting LGBTQ+-related headlines
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by GhanaWeb.
Kwabena Nsenkyire, former New Patriotic Party NPP Ashanti Regional Vice Chairman, has appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to grant a presidential pardon to Chairman Wontumi, also known as Bernard Antwi-Boasiako. Chairman Wontumi was sentenced by the Accra High Court to 20 years' imprisonment for illegal mining activities on the Samreboi concession in the Western Region. The court also imposed a fine of 10,000 penalty units GH垄120,000, with a default sentence of three years' imprisonment for non-payment. Nsenkyire stated that the news saddened party members but their immediate focus was on ensuring justice. He added that the party would await a briefing from Chairman Wontumi's legal team before deciding on next steps. Nsenkyire urged President Mahama to consider the pardon, citing recent pardons granted to other inmates and suggesting it would enhance the President's reputation as a "father for all" and demonstrate Christian values.
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