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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.
The Lands Commission has congratulated Lic. Surv. Stephen Djaba and Assoc. Prof. Naa Dedei Tagoe on their elections to leadership roles within the International Federation of Surveyors FIG. Lic. Surv. Djaba was elected Vice President of FIG, and Assoc. Prof. Tagoe was elected Chair of FIG Commission 8 on Spatial Planning and Development. Both were nominated by the Licensed Surveyors Association of Ghana LiSAG and their elections took place at the FIG General Assembly in Cape Town, South Africa, from May 24 to May 29, 2026. The Lands Commission views these achievements as significant milestones for Ghana's surveying profession, reflecting the growing influence of LiSAG and the quality of leadership and technical excellence in Ghana's surveying and geospatial sector. The Chairperson of the Lands Commission, Dr. Wordsworth Odame Larbi, and Executive Secretary, Prof. Anthony Owusu-Ansah, highlighted that these elections demonstrate the competence and international stature of Ghana's surveying profession. They expressed the Commission's commitment to strengthening collaboration with FIG, particularly on land administration, spatial planning, land governance, and sustainable development. Both newly elected leaders thanked the Lands Commission, LiSAG, and the Ghanaian surveying community, pledging to promote Ghana's interests within FIG and advance professional development and international collaboration for Ghana and Africa.
Ghanaian social media influencer and transgender activist Angel Maxine has publicly challenged comments made by Communications Minister Sam George regarding homosexuality. Sam George reportedly argued that homosexuality was once classified as a mental disorder and should continue to be regarded as such. Angel Maxine dismissed this assertion as misinformation, defending the rights of 'consenting adults' and stating that homosexuality is not recognized as a mental illness, disorder, or disease by leading medical and psychological institutions. This exchange follows Parliament's second passage of the "Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill," also known as the anti-LGBT+ Bill, which criminalizes identifying as LGBTQ+, same-sex relationships, and the advocacy or funding of LGBTQ+ activities. The bill awaits further oversight and presidential assent.
Must ReadSouth Africa has formally abstained from adopting the draft African Charter on Family, Sovereignty and Values during the 4th Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Family Sovereignty and Values held in Accra. The South African delegation, led by politician and Member of Parliament Zandile Majozi, cited fundamental conflicts with South Africa’s Constitution and international legal principles. The primary point of contention is the charter’s definition of marriage as exclusively between a man and a woman, which contradicts South Africa's legalisation of same-sex marriage in 2006 and its constitutional prohibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation. The draft charter, which emerged from conferences between 2023 and 2025, aims to affirm traditional family structures and protect African cultural values against perceived foreign ideologies on gender, sexuality, and reproductive rights. The Accra conference sought to build momentum for the charter ahead of a potential presentation to the African Union General Assembly.
The United States Department of Justice DoJ has issued an update on the case of Ghanaian socialite Frederick Kumi, also known as Abu Trica, who faces extradition proceedings for allegedly scamming Americans. In a statement released on June 4, 2026, the DoJ identified Abu Trica's case as one of several "consumer fraud" investigations. The investigation involves at least five Ghanaian individuals accused of defrauding over 130 victims across the United States through romance scams, resulting in losses exceeding $15 million. The DoJ reported that three suspects residing in the US, Jamal Abubakari, Kamal Abubakari, and Amanda Joy Opoku-Boachie, were detained this week. Abu Trica and Daniel Yussif, who are in Ghana, are awaiting extradition. The suspects allegedly targeted older Americans on dating websites and social media platforms, using advanced techniques, including AI-driven video platforms, to create fictitious female personas. Victims were reportedly misled into sending money via wire transfers to accounts controlled by the conspirators, with funds then transferred to co-conspirators in Ghana and elsewhere. The DoJ has recovered assets valued at over $3 million, including a Lamborghini, Tesla Cybertruck, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW. The FBI commended Ghanaian law enforcement agencies, including the Attorney-General’s Office, Economic and Organised Crime Office EOCO, Ghana Police Service GPS, Ghana Cyber Security Authority, Ghana Narcotics Control Commission NACOC, Ghana Financi