Ghanaian presidential hopeful Alan Kyerematen has ignited a firestorm of controversy, drawing sharp comparisons to Donald Trump and facing condemnation from human rights organisations after endorsing a severe crackdown on LGBTQ rights.
The former trade minister, who is campaigning to lead the West African nation, made the inflammatory comments during a recent speech. He explicitly praised neighbouring Gambia's President Yahya Jammeh, who infamously threatened to slit the throats of gay men, for his stance on LGBTQ issues.
A Chilling Endorsement
Kyerematen stated that Ghana should "learn from the example" set by Gambia, a country with some of the most oppressive anti-gay laws on the continent. His remarks have been interpreted as a direct endorsement of violence and state-sanctioned persecution against the LGBTQ community.
The human rights implications of his statements are profound, suggesting a potential rollback of even the limited protections currently in place and fostering an environment of fear and intolerance.
Swift and Forceful Condemnation
The backlash was immediate. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) issued a powerful rebuke, labelling the comments "dangerous" and a blatant attempt to scapegoat a vulnerable minority for political gain.
Human Rights Watch and local Ghanaian advocacy groups have also voiced their alarm, warning that such rhetoric from a leading political figure could incite hate crimes and legitimise discrimination. This strategy of leveraging anti-LGBTQ sentiment is often seen as a tool to rally a conservative voter base, drawing clear parallels to tactics used by certain Western politicians.
The 'African Trump' Persona
The incident has solidified the 'African Trump' moniker often attached to Kyerematen. The comparison stems not only from his populist rhetoric and political style but also from his promises to prioritise nationalistic economic policies, echoing the 'America First' agenda of the former US president.
This episode raises significant concerns about the future of human rights and social equality in Ghana, especially as the country gears up for a pivotal election. The international community is now watching closely to see how this political narrative unfolds.
