Michael Essien declares support for LGBTQI groups

Former Black Stars midfielder Michael Essien has declared support for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexuals, Transgender and Queer Individuals (LGBTQI) community in Ghana.

“We see you, we hear you, we support you. Our LGBTQIA plus community in Ghana,” he said in an instagram post.

Essien’s comments come after Police later raided the LGBTQI centre last week and close down the office.

He added: “Ghana, support equality.”

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Meanwhile, some of the UK’s most prominent Ghanaians have joined together to condemn their former homeland for its stance on gay rights in what will be seen as an extraordinary show of diaspora power.

The influential names in fashion, film and media, including Idris Elba and the Vogue editor-in-chief, Edward Enninful, have signed an open letter in support of Ghana’s LGBTQ+ community.

Naomi Campbell, although, not of Ghanaian heritage, has also put her name to the letter.

“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,” it said.

“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,” it continued.

Source: 3news.com|Ghana|with additional files from the Guardian