World top celebrities in the film and fashion business including Idris Elba and Naomi Campbell have written an open letter to President Akufo-Addo backing gay rights in Ghana.
The letter was signed by 67 celebrities mostly of Ghanaian heritage, saying they are “deeply concerned” about the closure of a community space for LGBTQ+ members in Ghana.
“We have watched with profound concern as you have had to question the safety of your vital work at the LGBT+ Rights Ghana Centre in Accra, and feared for your personal wellbeing and security. It is unacceptable to us that you feel unsafe.
“As prominent and powerful advocates for this great country, we are beseeching His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, and political/cultural leaders to create a pathway for allyship, protection and support. We petition for inclusivity which will make the nation even greater and even stronger,” the letter said.
Traditional rulers in Ghana have expressed disapproval over the the activities of persons who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQI).
Its mother body, the National House of Chiefs described their activities as a “taboo, inhuman and alien to our society”.
The House is of the view that the idea of same sex union is an abomination to Ghana’s culture and tradition.
While acknowledging the rights and opinions of individuals the House posited that it will never entertain such groups in Ghanaian communities.
“Nananom will resist strongly, any attempts to impose any culture that seems to undermine the tradition of Ghanaians”, the statement signed by its President, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, read.
While appealing to the public not to cause harm to any individual belonging to such groups, the House further urged individuals to report such groups to the law enforcement agencies.
The latest pronouncement comes amid widespread divisions amongst a cross section of the public after an office belonging to the LGBTQI was raided and closed down by the Ghana Police Service late last month.
While many believe it is an abuse of the rights of these individuals, some also say it must not be entertained in the Ghanaian cultural setting.
But President Akufo-Addo appeared to have settled the matter after he reiterated that his government will not legalize same-sex unions.
“For same sex marriage to be legalized in Ghana, it will not happen in my time as President”, Akufo-Addo stated emphatically.
“I have said it before, and let me stress it again, that it will not be under the Presidency of Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo-Addo that same-sex marriage will be legal”, he stressed.
Source: Daily Mail GH
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