Accra: The Ghanaian Parliament recently hosted the 4th African Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Family, Sovereignty and Values in Accra, drawing representatives and lawmakers from 20 countries. The gathering aimed to uphold traditional values, strengthen national sovereignty, and resist perceived external ideological pressures. This conference, previously held in Uganda, seeks to eliminate modern colonialism and ideological imposition from the continent.According to Global Voices, a significant outcome of the 2026 convention was the unanimous adoption of the African Charter on the Protection of the Family, Sovereignty, and Religious and Cultural Values. This charter is set to be presented to the African Union for consideration in their February 2027 Assembly. The charter defines gender ideology as a Western imposition that challenges traditional African cultural and religious values, and advocates for rejection of foreign influences that contradict African interpretations of fundamental human rights.The narrative against gender ideology extends beyond the conference. An Instagram post from "Africa Is Powerful" praised Niger's recent criminalization of homosexuality, highlighting the tension between traditional values and external influences. However, this charter has faced criticism from human rights advocates, such as the Initiative for Strategic Litigation in Africa (ISLA), who argue it could undermine African human rights laws.While South Africa and Mozambique expressed opposition or abstained from the charter, the Ghanaian Parliament concurrently passed a restrictive anti-LGBTQ+ bill, criminalizing the identification and promotion of LGBTQ+ identities. This move has been linked to Family Watch International, a US-based organization accused of influencing African policies against LGBTQ+ rights, despite their denial of direct involvement.The charter and conference have been featured in international Catholic media, which often presents Africa as a stronghold of traditional religious teachings. Critics argue that claims of queerness being unAfrican are rooted in colonial trauma and external religious influences. Amnesty International reported that in 2024, consensual same-sex activity remained illegal in 31 African countries, conflicting with African Union principles and international standards.The rise of anti-LGBTQ+ laws across Africa, including recent regulations in Niger, Ghana, and Senegal, highlights the growing tension between preserving traditional values and aligning with contemporary human rights frameworks. This ongoing debate continues to shape the sociopolitical landscape of the continent.
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