The Mental Health and Well Being of the Ghanaian LGBTI Community

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CEPEHRG, Accra
For immediate Release
May 16, 2016

The Mental Health and Well Being of the Ghanaian LGBTI Community
On May 17th 1990, the World Health Organization (WHO) published a revised version of the “International Classification of Diseases Manual‘, in which homosexuality was not considered a mental disease any longer. Therefore sexual and gender diversity is celebrated worldwide and annually on May 17th since 2004 as the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia‘ (IDAHOT). In a statement, the World Psychiatric Association‘ (WPA) strongly condemned any attempt to conflate the diversity of sexual orientations and gender identities within the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex (LGBTI) community with a mental disorder.

Despite all these and other declarations and statements, Dr. Akwasi Osei (Chief Psychiatrist of Ghana and the Chief Executive of the Ghana Mental Health Authority) has described homosexuals as persons suffering from, a psychological illness requiring treatment’. In his view‚ homosexuality is not natural and should not qualify for Human Rights, which are natural rights. In its true nature, it is a disorder‘.

While there has been recognition that sexual and gender diversity is not a mental health issue, there is as well increased recognition on the effects of such negative remarks by public figures and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Joining the world to celebrate this year’s International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia‘, it is the wish of CEPEHRG that the Ghanaian LGBTI community will live a happy and healthy life just as any other Ghanaian deserves.

We join the world in condemning all forms of abuses, violence and discrimination that at the end will affect the mental health and well-being of LGBTI people. We are therefore calling on all well-meaning Ghanaians to desist from hate speech that in effect raises violence and aggression towards the LGBTI community.

On this day of celebration, CEPEHRG appreciates the efforts of all agencies and individuals helping to improve the lives of the LGBTI community in diverse ways.

We urge them to do more to ensure that offenders are prosecuted to act as a deterrent to others. CEPEHRG will continue to advocate that  LGBTI Rights are Human Rights and support the community to reduce the risk of health and mental health issues, while reducing discrimination on LGBTI-led groups working for their wellbeing during research and documentation regarding their communities.

At a time when, tragically, we are seeing increased efforts to criminalize or oppress LGBTI persons, we call on partners everywhere to join us in defending the equal rights of our LGBTI brothers and sisters, mothers, fathers, uncles, aunties etc. and in ensuring they are treated with the dignity and respect.


Long Live Ghana!  Long Live Human Rights!!

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