A socio-cultural discourse study of cultural-political elites’ stances on LGBTI+ identities and practices in Ghana

Abstract

Recently, cultural-political elites made competing and conflictual statements regarding LGBTI+ identities and practices in Ghana which attracted national and international attention. How do cultural-political elites discursively construct LGBTI+ discourse in postcolonial Ghana and what are the implications? This study employed qualitative methodology and engaged discourse theory and method to analyse cultural-political elites’ discursive practices and stances on LGBTI+ discourse in Ghana. The analytical method is dialectical and focuses on the relationship between the data (text) and sociocultural and political context for meaning making. Social relations of knowledge and statements articulated to power-knowledge provide the analytical framework. The study demonstrates that essentialising the cultures and traditions of Ghana short of a detailed concrete contextual definition of the complex multicultural and multiethnic post-colonial nation limits the socio-cultural interpretation, understanding and stances on LGBTI+ discourse in Ghana and can lead to ambiguities and contradictions. Different social actors take divergent positions in their interpretations and understanding of LGBTI+ discourse in Ghana. Also, the study notes that attempts at understanding sexuality, especially, LGBTI+ discourse and same-sex intimacies in non-western societies requires dialogue and intercultural engagements capable of promoting human existence in a socially cohesive and harmonious manner.