Amid worsening tensions between the Ghanaian government and its LGBTQ+ citizens, dozens of celebrities have signed onto an open letter standing in solidarity with the country’s LGBTQ+ community. Published on Monday, the statement was signed by 66 celebrities who describe themselves as “fellow Ghanians, Africans, and diasporans,” including supermodel Naomi Campbell, actor Idris Elba (The Wire), British Vogue Editor in Chief Edward Enninful, and multi hyphenate creative Michaela Coel (I May Destroy You).
“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,” the declaration reads.
The letter is in response to a Wednesday police raid on LGBT+ Rights Ghana, a community center in the country’s capital, Accra, which authorities forced to close after opening in January of this year. The attack followed death threats against the center and demands for its closure, as well as backlash to a recent segment on Ghanaian news channel JoyNews in which journalist Ignatius Annor came out as gay.
Accordingly, the letter also urges Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo and other local government leaders to reach out and engage in dialogue with the country’s LGBTQ+ communities.
“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,” the statement reads. “We petition for inclusivity which will make the nation even greater and even stronger.”
Others to sign the declaration include filmmaker Amma Assante (Belle), singer-songwriter Moses Sumney, actress Yvonne Orji (Insecure), rapper Vic Mensa, actress Gabourey Sidibe (Precious), actor and model Boris Kodjoe (Station 19), actress Nicole Ari Parker (Empire), and singer Jidenna.
It’s unclear, however, how well this call for inclusivity will be received by Ghanian leadership. Just three days after the raid, Akufo-Addo reiterated his pledge that same-sex marriage would not be legalized during his presidency in a speech to a local church. “Let me repeat: It will never happen in my time as president,” he said to applause from congregants.
Additionally, Ghana’s Inspector-General of Police, James Oppong-Bonnuh, vowed on Monday that the police would continue to persecute LGBTQ+ Ghanaians in accordance with the law. “If the people of Ghana decide that we are going to legitimise and take it off our books, we are okay with it; but until that is done we will ensure that the laws are complied with,” he said, according to news outlet Pulse Ghana.
