In a recent incident that has stirred significant concern within the Waala Traditional Area, two young boys were reportedly caught engaging in an activity identified as LGBTQ+ behavior, specifically homosexual practices, in a neglected washroom at Tendamba Junior High School. This occurrence has amplified local tensions, especially in light of the Overlord of the Waala Traditional Area, Naa Seidu Fuseini Pelpuo IV, previously imposing a strict ban on such practices within the community. The Overlord’s decision to enforce this prohibition stemmed from a deep-seated belief that these activities are both unnatural and perverse, conflicting with the traditional and religious values held by the Waala people. The ban, which was enacted on July 30, 2021, was intended to safeguard the moral fabric of society, ensuring that the community does not descend into what the Overlord described as moral bankruptcy.
Naa Fuseini Pelpuo IV, in a strongly-worded statement delivered on his behalf, underscored the seriousness of the ban, emphasizing that any individual found violating it would face swift and severe punishment. The decision to implement this ban was influenced by an increasing number of reports regarding LGBTQ+ activities in the Waala Traditional Area. The Overlord expressed confidence that while the issue of LGBTQ+ rights is currently under deliberation in Parliament, immediate action was necessary to prevent the situation from worsening. He highlighted that waiting for the outcome of parliamentary discussions might allow the situation to deteriorate beyond repair, necessitating immediate and decisive action within the traditional jurisdiction. The Overlord’s stance reflects a broader concern within the community about the potential erosion of traditional values and the need to protect the societal norms that have long defined the Waala people.
In addition to the ban, the Overlord announced the formation of an anti-LGBTQ+ task force, which will be responsible for investigating and apprehending individuals who continue to engage in such activities despite the prohibition. This task force will work closely with local authorities and community leaders to enforce the ban and ensure that those who violate it are held accountable. The Overlord also called upon religious leaders within the Waala Traditional Area to actively preach against LGBTQ+ activities in their places of worship, urging them to play a crucial role in educating the public about the perceived dangers of these practices. The Overlord’s appeal for public support highlights the community’s collective responsibility in upholding the ban and preserving the traditional and religious values that are central to the Waala way of life.
