On July 21, 2011, it was reported that Ghana’s Western Region Minister, Paul Evans Aidoo MP has ordered the immediate arrest of all homosexuals in the country’s west. This followed a newspaper report that stated there were as many as 8,000 homosexuals living in the region, stirring up hate among Christian and Muslim groups. The minister stated, “All efforts are being made to get rid of these people in the society."

This kind of treatment is abhorrent. Homosexuals are being persecuted in Ghana merely for loving the person they choose to love, not for any crime that damages society. Ghana must immediately cease all arrests and persecution of homosexuals and work to decriminalize homosexuality. Love is a human right, and these men have a right to love who they want.