SECTOR 2 mistakes were made saying an Akan name, you’d be corrected by your media house. But northerners are marginalised and outright disrespected.” On the issue of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) rights, “generally Ghanaians are opposed to the practice of LGBT.” The state prohibits homosexuality by law, and there is general condemnation on both mainstream and social media platforms of LGBT communities. “The LGBT community is not given space in the media. There’s an active silencing of this community, and this only aggravates the societal issues around homosexuality.” “The silencing is complete and final.” “One can’t even come out to breathe the issue.” A few broadcasters, Joy FM included, have made documentaries on LGBT issues. A panellist emphasised that in covering sexual minorities, there is a need for the media to adopt a human rights perspective. “On the one hand, we abhor discrimination, but when we speak about sexual discrimination, all our prejudices come to the fore. Just because I don’t like what you do, doesn’t mean I should treat you as less of a human being.” Scores: Individual scores: 1 Country does not meet indicator 2 Country meets only a few aspects of indicator 3 Country meets some aspects of indicator 4 Country meets most aspects of indicator 5 Country meets all aspects of the indicator Average score: 36 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER GHANA 2017 2.1 (2006:n/a; 2008:n/a; 2011:2.7; 2013:2.8)