The Overlord of the Waala Traditional Area in the Upper West Region capital of Wa, Naa Fuseini Seidu Pelpuo IV, has banned the activities of LGBTQI+ in his kingdom.
In a statement read on his behalf on Thursday, July 29 by his spokesperson Jinpehi Naa Ibrahim Kadri, the Wa Naa said a task force has been set up by stakeholders to monitor and report accordingly to the traditional council to take action.
According to the chief, the press conference being organised by Wa Naa has become necessary because of the presence of the activists of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex (LGBTQI+) practices in the traditional area.
He said the practice in the area is gaining popularity and the vulnerable youth are falling victims in their hundreds to it.
The chief fears that if nothing is done to protect them, most youth will be drawn into the act .
He said they have gathered intelligence about this, compelling the traditional council to convene a stakeholders meeting with chiefs, landlords, religious groups and others to look into finding solutions to curb the activities.
This they came to a conclusion that a ban be placed on LGBTQI+ activities in the traditional area.
Though he is aware that Parliament is currently working on a bill to criminalize LGBTQI+, he indicated that Parliament might delay in passing the bill, hence the need to act now.
The stakeholders came out with some recommendations to deal with homosexuals.
These include preachings on the LGBTQI+, prayers in churches and mosques as well as open-air for such persons, and a demonstration against them.
Parents and guardians have also been advised to educate their children on the practices
He said the Waala Traditional Council’s task force will ensure that information on activities of the LGBTQI+ groups reaches the council for action to be taken.
