The 12th in the series of the William Ofori-Atta centenary lectures had Prof Akosua Adomako Ampofo turning her attention to the issue of gays which could prompt another bout of public discourse on the subject due to her disclosure that there are gay ministers of the gospel in the country.

She said “although we may see homosexuality as evil there is no universal moral obligation to prevent all evil by any and all means that we may consider necessary.”

Condemnation of homosexuals, she noted, will not transform a homosexual into a heterosexual, adding “if we feel strongly about an issue and seek to persuade people we should pray for them, but we cannot force people to follow any particular moral code.”

The church, she observed, sadly is the last place for some people to go for succor of any kind because according to her “they will only be met by condemnation.”

She said there is ample evidence to show that homosexuality like other practices or sins, is not uncommon in Africa historically.

Homosexuality, she went on, has been nurtured in boarding schools and some churches.

“Gay people can be found in our families and churches-it might surprise some to know that some married men, ministers of the gospel are secretly gay,” she said.

As a religious person she expressed amazement at what for her is the passion and fear homosexuality has generated, adding, “We are surrounded by crimes and sins daily that receive no comment, let alone a demonstration.”

Children, she revealed, suffer both physical and sexual abuse at the hands of teachers, parents and even religious leaders “and I am yet to hear a serious outcry from the church.”

Prof Adomako stated that “although nobody wants children forced into sexual encounters I wonder if we are more disturbed by what two men or women may agree to do together however sinful we may find this, than what many men and some women do to unwilling children destroying them for life?”

She excited the attention of her audience as she dissected the moral malaise that has gripped the country sparing nobody in her critique – from the politician to the church.

She wondered why there is so much criticism of the politician when the individual shirks his responsibilities towards the country.

The youth, especially students, are often associated with such malpractices such as plagiarizing and anomalies in the course of managing student politics, she indicated.

She said “each year we hear of election malpractices-stuffed voter boxes, seeking money from parties they don’t subscribe to simply have funds to run a campaign.”

Nations, she said, are built by politicians posing the rhetoric question “what do we want for our nation?”

She recalled an incident in Yilo Krobo when some youth besieged a police station demanding the release of a suspect so they could lynch him.

On the late William Ofori-Atta she described him as a man of deep convictions and integrity.

“He was smart, well-read with an exuberant infectious sense of humour.”

Also speaking at the function, Yesutor Agozie said Christians have a responsibility to ensure peace as well as the overall development of the societies in which they reside.

He added that the future of Ghana would be bright if her young men and women persevere in their service to the Motherland.