South African gay couple kissing at Independence Square is a shade to Ghana – Ola Michael

Entertainment pundit Ola Michael has stated that the South African same-sex couple who kissed at Ghana’s Independence Monument did so deliberately to challenge the country’s stance on LGBTQ+ rights.

Photos of the couple kissing at Black Star Square went viral on June 24, 2025, sparking reactions online. While some saw it as a show of support, others called it provocative.

Speaking on UTV’s United Showbiz on June 29, 2025, Ola Michael questioned how such a moment could take place at such a symbolic national landmark and criticised the apparent lack of oversight by authorities.

“How did we lose sight of the fact that something like this could happen? The South African LGBTQ couple kissing at Independence Square is a shade to Ghana. They came because Ghanaians have expressed that they would not allow people who identify in this particular way to live in peace. So, they came to show support for those in Ghana who share their identity,” Ola Michael said.

He suggested that both the timing and setting were intentional and political, especially considering Ghana’s ongoing national debate over anti-LGBTQ+ legislation.

According to him, the couple’s decision to share the photos was a calculated move meant to challenge Ghana’s cultural and legal environment and to visibly support the local LGBTQ+ community.

Ola Michael further argued that the incident reflects a broader issue regarding Ghana’s treatment of visitors.

He expressed concern that the country’s hospitality is often taken for granted by foreigners who disregard Ghanaian customs.

“This situation has opened our eyes to the reality that we allow foreigners to come in and do whatever they want in this country. We tend to be very welcoming, yet this incident has highlighted the need for us to reconsider our approach,” he said.

While acknowledging Ghana’s reputation as a warm and welcoming destination for tourists and the diaspora, he stressed that such hospitality must come with clear expectations about acceptable conduct within Ghanaian society.

“While we love foreigners and appreciate their presence in our country, it is important that we teach them our customs and our way of life when they arrive. When we travel abroad, we respect and abide by the rules of those countries, so why should it be any different when they come to us?” he stated.

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