South African Couple’s Kiss at Monument Stirs Controversy
Recently, photos of a South African gay couple kissing at Ghana’s Independence Arch in Accra caused a stir. The couple, identified as Rue and Lue, shared the images on social media during a visit to promote love and inclusivity. The photos, taken at a national monument, raised concerns about cultural respect among some Ghanaians.
The couple wore bold outfits, one in a red and black suit, the other in a red shirt and leather shorts, for their #ShowGhanaLove campaign. The images, showing them kissing under the iconic arch, led to mixed reactions. Some saw it as a bold statement of love, while others felt it disrespected Ghana’s traditions and the monument’s significance.
The incident follows delays in passing the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, which aims to criminalize LGBTQ+ activities. The bill, passed by Parliament in February 2024 but not signed into law, has fueled debates about cultural values versus personal freedoms. The couple’s actions have reignited calls for the bill’s enforcement.
Ghana’s government has not officially responded to the photos. The couple, part of a broader advocacy tour, aimed to highlight queer visibility at landmarks like the Black Star Square. Authorities are reviewing whether the act violated rules at the security-sensitive site, but no arrests have been made.
The photos have sparked broader discussions about balancing cultural heritage with individual rights. As Ghana navigates its stance on LGBTQ+ issues, the incident underscores tensions between tradition and modern expressions of identity, with no clear resolution yet.