Idris Elba, Naomi Campbell, Others Write President Nana Akufo-Addo To Protect Gay Rights In Ghana

 

The allegations that the rights of the LGBTQ+ community in Ghana are under threat have gotten the attentions of prominent entertainers and public figures, Idris Elba, Naomi Campbell, Vogue editor-in-chief, Edward Enninful, amongst others.

The respected celebrities and public figures totalling 67 have joined forces together to support Ghana’s LGBTQ+ community by reaching out to the country’s president, Nana Akufo-Addo, and other key political players in the country in an open letter, imploring them to protect the LGBTQ+ community.

The letter read; “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 also added that; “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”.

Idris Elba takes the movement further, he threw support for the LGBTQ+ community on his verified social media account. “Our LGBTQIA+ community in Ghana. We see you, we hear you, we support you!” he wrote on Instagram alongside the copy of the letter.

“I stand with my brothers and sisters , 66 signees , Ghanaians and non Ghanaians in supporting #LGBTQIA and all Human rights for safety ,fairness and EQUALITY FOR ALL #ghanasupportsequality ❤️🇬🇭 #NAOMIAFRICA”, Naomi Campbell shared on her Instagram page as well.

Media reports revealed that last week a community centre for LGBTQ+ people in the West African country closed its doors after mounting pressure by religious groups and anti-gay organisations against sexual minorities. Police later raided the centre, its staff said, after they forced its leaders into hiding.