By Valentia Tetteh
The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations and Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Samuel Nartey George, has reiterated his support for what he describes as the protection of family values and cultural sovereignty, while expressing concerns about global debates surrounding gender and sexuality.
Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the 4th African Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Family, Sovereignty and Values in Accra, Mr. George argued that African countries must remain firm in defending their cultural and social values.
Commenting on international discussions on gender identity, the Minister claimed that recent developments globally support the position that there are only two genders.
“The International Court of Justice has passed a landmark ruling on gender, saying that there are only two genders, male and female,” he stated.
Mr. George further argued that homosexuality was historically classified as a mental illness in some jurisdictions and questioned the basis upon which those classifications were changed.
“Until 1976 in the United States, homosexuality was considered a mental illness. The decision to remove it as a mental illness was not based on science; it was based on a social campaign,” he said.
The Communications Minister maintained that scientific conclusions should not be influenced by social or political activism.
“You don’t change scientific facts with social campaigns,” he added.
Mr. George’s remarks formed part of wider discussions at the conference on family values, national sovereignty, cultural identity and the role of African states in shaping policies that reflect local realities and traditions.
The four-day conference has brought together parliamentarians, policymakers, religious leaders, academics and civil society actors from across the continent to deliberate on issues affecting African families, governance and cultural preservation.
Participants are expected to develop recommendations aimed at strengthening cooperation among African legislatures while promoting policies that uphold the continent’s values and sovereignty.
