Amelley Djosu Urges GTA to Take Action Against Provocative Tourist Exhibits

A recent incident involving a South African queer couple posting intimate photos at Ghana’s most revered heritage sites has triggered a heated debate and a wave of homophobic backlash, highlighting the critical need for the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) to enforce stricter policies that protect the dignity and sanctity of the nation’s cultural landmarks.

The couple, known as Lue and Rue, shared images of themselves kissing and embracing at prominent locations such as Independence Square, the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, and the Aburi Botanical Gardens. Their photo series was part of a campaign dubbed “Show Ghana Love,” aimed at expressing solidarity with Ghana’s LGBTQIA+ community amid mounting fears around an impending anti-LGBTQIA+ bill. The proposed legislation threatens to criminalize same-sex relationships with prison sentences reaching up to three years.

While Lue and Rue framed their actions as a peaceful protest and a gesture of love against hate, their display at these national monuments ignited outrage both online and offline. Many Ghanaians invoked the country’s colonial-era Penal Code, which prohibits “unnatural carnal knowledge,” a law upheld by the Supreme Court. Section 104 of the Penal Code criminalizes same-sex intimacy with penalties of imprisonment for up to three years. Moreover, the proposed bill aims to clamp down on public displays of affection by LGBTQIA+ persons and restrict advocacy, imposing harsh fines or jail time on offenders.

The situation has also brought attention to inconsistencies in the enforcement of rules at Ghana’s heritage sites. Local photographers and tourists have previously expressed frustration over rising entrance fees, rigid dress codes, and limited access to these cultural sites, enforced diligently by site caretakers. Yet in this case, observers question how such provocative acts were allowed to proceed unchecked at highly symbolic locations such as the Independence Arch and in front of the statue of Ghana’s founding father, Kwame Nkrumah.

The backlash against the couple has been fierce and at times hateful. Social media platforms have been flooded with calls for their prosecution and denunciation. Advocates for LGBTQIA+ rights warn that the incident may unintentionally exacerbate harassment of queer Ghanaians and bolster support for the very laws the couple sought to oppose. Rather than fostering empathy or dialogue, this episode has deepened divisions and intensified homophobic sentiment across the country.

Ghana’s cultural and historical sites are treasures that belong to all citizens and visitors. They symbolize the nation’s identity, values, and shared heritage. The Ghana Tourism Authority bears the responsibility of ensuring these spaces are respected and preserved.

This calls for urgent measures including comprehensive training for tour guides, security personnel, and caretakers on enforcing clear behavioral standards. Such staff must be empowered to intervene swiftly and effectively when visitors engage in activities that violate cultural norms or disrupt public order.

Examples from other countries provide useful guidance. For instance, a German tourist who climbed the Maya temple at Chichen Itza in Mexico in defiance of preservation laws was arrested, provoking widespread condemnation and serving as a reminder of the need for firm protection of heritage sites. Ghana can adopt a similar zero-tolerance approach to safeguard its landmarks and prevent their exploitation for political or social statements that undermine their solemnity.

While championing LGBTQIA+ rights and combating homophobia remain crucial, advocacy must be conducted within the framework of Ghana’s laws and cultural context. This incident illustrates how a well-intentioned act of protest can backfire, inadvertently harming the community it aims to support.

The Ghana Tourism Authority must act decisively and promptly. By tightening regulations, enhancing staff training, and establishing unambiguous visitor guidelines, it can uphold the dignity of Ghana’s national monuments. Only through such measures can these sites continue to stand as symbols of unity and national pride rather than become battlegrounds of controversy and societal discord.

About the Author:
Amelley Djosu is a communications strategist and media professional who specializes in heritage, innovation, and social impact within Ghana’s creative industries. She advocates for responsible cultural stewardship and inclusive narratives that promote national cohesion.