Viral gay couple images at Independence Square were AI-generated – Dafeamekpor

The Majority Chief Whip, Rockson Nelson Dafeamekpor, has claimed that the widely circulated images of two men allegedly kissing at Independence Square were generated using artificial intelligence (AI).

The couple, identified as Lue and Rue from South Africa, appeared in visuals showing them holding hands, kissing, and draped in the Ghanaian flag at both the Independence Square and the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum.

The images sparked widespread public outrage, with many Ghanaians condemning what they described as a desecration of cherished national symbols and questioning the government’s silence on the matter.

However, addressing the issue on the floor of Parliament, Dafeamekpor stated that the images were not authentic and should therefore be disregarded.

“The matters that the First Deputy Minority Whip alluded to regarding the fact that two persons were seen kissing at the Independence Square are totally falsehood.

“It was an A.I-generated image posted by someone onto his social media handle so my brother Habib has no documents to stand on – predicate upon which he will be demanding that the Minister for Foreign Affairs be invited to speak to such matters and also to justify why we abstained from a certain vote at the UN,” he said.

Mixed Reactions

Some online users praised the pair for boldly championing LGBTQ+ visibility in a region where homosexuality remains heavily stigmatized and criminalized. However, many others voiced strong objections—not necessarily to their sexual orientation, but to the perceived disrespect of a national symbol.

Critics argued that the Independence Arch is more than just a tourist attraction; it is a site that holds deep cultural and historical significance.

This is disrespectful to our country’s culture. This has nothing to do with homophobia but rather your flagrant disregard for the people of our land. Why not go take these photos in Saudi Arabia? Or Qatar?

wrote one user.

Media personality Saminiwaa weighed in on the controversy in a post that acknowledged the need for LGBTQ+ rights advocacy but questioned the execution.

“I fully support the fight against homophobia and the push for equal rights. But this isn’t the way to go about it. There’s a difference between raising awareness and crossing legal or cultural lines. Disregarding laws or desecrating national symbols doesn’t help the cause, it risks fuelling more backlash and making it harder for those genuinely affected, she wrote.

She continued:

Advocacy should inspire understanding, not provoke unnecessary resistance. We need smarter, more respectful ways to create change

The situation took another twist when some users speculated that the act might be part of a state-sanctioned move to attract international LGBTQ+ aid and visibility. One comment, referencing the visibility of the monument and the presumed presence of security, alleged ulterior motives behind the photoshoot.

“I suspect that this is a gov’t sponsored project aimed at attracting aid and support from the LGBTQ+ community. How else do we explain the fact that this activity was taking place in a designated security surveillance zone? Guess who posted this… KOD, another post claimed.