Forgive me for any typos, I’m writing this after staying up all night.
In the past few years, Ghana has attempted to capitalize on the Black Diaspora’s interest in Homecoming through the use of tourism. Tourism ventures targeted at Black Americans and Black Europeans are advertised as a “Year of Return”. The “Year of Return” is a tourist program marketed to Black people globally; where Black Diasporans are encouraged to come explore Ghana’s cultural relics, club scenes, and lively beaches as part of an immersive “Black experience”. Ghana has a well-refined PR machine and has earned a reputation for being a tolerant, kind, and hospitable place. Despite this reputation, Ghana is a deeply intolerant and violent place without the necessary mechanisms of a meaningful democracy. Every meaningful democracy secures at least one fundamental goal: it protects the rights and wellbeing of minorities from the violence and tyranny of the majority.
If all persons are guaranteed the above rights, then it follows that sexual and gender minorities should be given the liberty to freely associate, organize, and express any thought or belief about the personal relationships of consenting adults, without the tyranny of the majority threatening them.
In the past few days the Ghanaian State has ramped up state violence against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer, Intersex, Asexual (LGBTQIA+ ) persons in Ghana; both in the alarming declarations of criminalization, and in the use of police forces to invade and shut down the LGBTQ center located in Accra. Make no mistake the use of state/police/national security forces to shut down the LGBTQ center, and the use of threats by national security forces to intimidate LGBTQ activists, is a direct violation of Chapter 5 of the Ghanaian constitution.
According to the Constitution, all persons are supposed to enjoy, free from interference from the State : (1) freedom of assembly, (2) freedom of speech, (3) freedom of thought, conscience and belief (4) freedom of association, (5) freedom of movement, (6)freedom to form or join political parties and to participate in political activities subject to such qualifications and laws as are necessary in a free and democratic society…
So why the hell did national security forces invade and shut down the LGBTQ center and threaten activists? If all persons are guaranteed the above rights, then it follows that sexual and gender minorities should be given the liberty to freely associate, organize, and express any thought or belief about the personal relationships of consenting adults, without the tyranny of the majority threatening them. Unfortunately, as anyone can see in the 20th and 21st century, “rights” granted by the State are not automatically granted and applied. This means that marginalized persons of any weak democratic State must continue to call onto the Courts, the Legislature and struggle in the streets for these rights to be protected. This is particularly concerning because any time the government signals that a group of people will not be protected at the same level, the government not only exposes them to police harassment and judicial violence, but also to the mob violence of private citizens. Here are a few tweets that highlight this concern:
Nonetheless, Ghanaian feminists are fighting back. Please check out the statement below that expounds more upon the issue:
Statement in Solidarity with LGBT+ Ghanaians
by a Collective of Ghanaian Feminists
We are Ghanaian feminists writing in solidarity with LGBT+ Rights Ghana and queer and transgender Ghanaians everywhere. We write to show the community that you are not alone. Further, we hope this statement can help other Ghanaians who feel supportive know that they do not have to be cowed by the violent rhetoric of the government, the press, and the religious sector. The violence directed at the community in the wake of their office launch demonstrates the vitriolic conditions under which queer Ghanaians live and why such a community space is needed. We reject the current onslaught of religious, media, and state violence meted out against queer and transgender people, who are simply asserting their God-given right to exist with dignity and safety.
The backlash against LGBT+ Rights Ghana follows a trend of moral panic led by the media, religious groups, and political figures. Whenever queer Ghanaians demand rights, respect, and safety in our own country, these leaders use the guise of morality and concern to push a violent agenda. Their agenda is harmful to queer and trans Ghanaians, and it ultimately seeks to control how all Ghanaians live, regardless of their sexuality. We are already witnessing the toll these attacks take on people’s lives. As a result of the recent media frenzy, many LGBT+ persons are facing increasing threats of violence online, at work and in their homes. Community members have been threatened with evictions, forced marriage and employment termination.
As feminists, we believe that the patriarchal and colonial constructions of gender and sexuality that shape social expectations and norms not only hurt the LGBT+ community, but continue to keep other marginalized groups–including poor women, sex workers, people with dreadlocs, amongst others–oppressed and constantly policed. We align our political perspective with a radical vision of freedom and justice for all people in Ghana, which is also enshrined in our Constitution.
Of the undersigned, some of us identify as LGBT+, and others identify differently. Our genders are wide-ranging, our geographic locations are in Ghana and its vast Diaspora, and our life experiences are diverse. What binds us is a shared vision for the freedom and liberation of all people, particularly those who are most marginalised in our communities. We unapologetically and unreservedly stand in support of LGBT+ people to live with dignity and under safe conditions in Ghana. And we call on allies to do the work of speaking up for queer and trans people as they are subjected to violence by the state, religious institutions and the public.
For inquiries about this statement, please contact Dr. Anima Adjepong at adjepoaa@ucmail.uc.edu. You may add your name to the letter here.
Signed,
- Anima Adjepong, PhD, USA
- Nana Yaa Agyepong, Ghana
- Shakia Asamoah, USA
- Akua Gyamerah, DrPh, USA
- M. A. Marfo, Young Feminists Collective, Ghana
- Wunpini Mohammed, PhD, USA
- Rita Nketiah, PhD, Canada
- Nana Darkoa Sekyiamah, Ghana
- Abena Benewaa Fosu, Ghana
- Malaika Aryee-Boi, Ghana
- Shelia Adufutse, Ghana
- Abena Awuku, Netherlands
- Raphaela M.A. Rockson, Ghana
- Fatima B. Derby, Ghana
- Godfried Asante, PhD, San Diego State University, USA
- Akosua Hanson, Ghana
- Abena Darko, Ghana
- Joseph Ewoodzie, PhD, Davidson College, USA
- Amma Dodi, USA
- Johlyn Fallah, UK
- Sylvia Bawa, PhD, York University, Canada
- Nobiana Dodi, USA
- Adwoa Asante, Ghanafeminism.com USA
- Makafui Ahorney, Ghana
- Sayidatu Mariam Ibrahim, University of Ghana, Ghana
- Ama Amponsah, Canada
- Elvina Quaison, Ghana
- Christine Hanson, SOH, Ghana
- Kafui Offori, Ghana
- Portia Asantewaa Duah, Feminist, Ghana
- Ria Boss, Ghana
- Adoley Pappoe, Israel
- Adaeze Williams, Nigeria
- Salma Shanni, Ghana
- Tracy N. K. Owoo, Ghana
- Debbie Frempong, USA
- Emma Dodi, USA
- Maame Akua Marfo, Ghana
- Debbie Owusu-Akyeeah, Canadian Center for Gender and Sexual Diversity, Canada
- Ismael Montana, PhD, Northern Illinois University, USA
- Shone Edem, Key Watch Ghana, Ghana
- Wisdom, Solace Initiative , Ghana
- Alliance for Equality and Diversity (AfED), Ghana
- Kwame Edwin Otu, PhD, University of Virginia, USA
- Emmanuel Owusu-Bonsu, FOKN Bois / Wanlov the Kubolor, Ghana
- Rose Afriyie, USA
- Yasmin Fuseini-Codjoe, USA
- Ewurabena S. Hutchful, USA
- Jeanne Barbara Debre, Ghana
- Selasie Dotse, USA
- Nana Yankah, Esq., Shia Travel Group, LLC, USA
- Akua Agyen, USA
- Amma Gyamfowa, Canada
- Keya Prempeh, Canada
- Phillip Adu, Canada
- Chris Akyah, USA
- Olivet Aggrey-Fynn Makiava , USA
- Madonna Kendona, Accra, Ghana
- Kofi Ofosu, PHD, University of Texas at Austin, USA
- Elfreda Tetteh, Germany
- Betty Esi Awuku, The Netherlands
- Malaka Grant, South Africa
- Serena Dankwa, University of Bern, Switzerland
- Yvette Tetteh, Pure and Just Company, Ghana
- Jessica Longdon, United Kingdom
- Ayesha Harruna Attah, Senegal
- Dshamilja Adeifio, University of Teacher Training, Switzerland
- Maame Akua Marfo, Ghana
- Sefakor Agbesi, Germany
- Nnenna Onuoha, Germany
- Kuukuwa Manful, U.K.
- Teki Martei, Ghana
- Panji Anoff, Pidgen Music, Ghana
- Selinam Setranah, Ghana
- Naa Oyo S. Quartey Papafio, Switzerland
- Anita Enyonam Kwaku (Naa Busuafi), Afed, Ghana
- Gabriella Rockson, Ghana
- Hauwa Uthman, Ghana
- Sel Kofiga, The Slum Studio, Ghana
- Daniela Gyeabour, Canada
- Germaine Bombande, Ghana
- Esinam Agbeyaka, Canada
- Nana Akua Amoafoa Mensah , Ghana
- Owiredua Akrofi, UK
- Nana Aba Armoo-Daniels, USA
- Dorcas Amoah, Brooklyn, NY
- Owiredua Akrofi, UK
- Dorothy L. Hammond, University of Ghana, Ghana
- Kinna Likimani, Ghana
- Tawakalitu Braimah, Women in AI, France
- Nii Kotei Nikoi, PhD, USA
- Aseye Afi-Djangmah, Ghana
- Naa Korkoi, Ghana
- Afia Kwakyewaa Owusu-Nyantakyi, Ghana
- Fouzia Alhassan, Ghana
- Justice Okai-Allotey, Humanist Association of Ghana, Ghana
- Caren Akoto-Adade, Ghana
- Angela Otoo, Drama Queens, Ghana
- Jacob Alhassan, Canada
- Prof. Senam Okudzeto, Director Art in Social Structures, Switzerland
- Franka Hagan, Ghana
- Nana Akua Amoafoa Mensah, Ghana
- Anella Bieteru, Canada
- Ayisha Alhassan , United Kingdom
- Rasheeda Yehuza, Germany
- Sekyi-Brown Reginald, Ghana
- Ayisha Lineo Gariba, University of Toronto, Canada
- Amy Cybil, Ghana
- Hetty Bonney-Mercer, FemInStyle Africa, UK
- Ady Namaran Coulibaly, Ghana
- Lilian Obeng, Canada
- Michaela E. Rockson, Ghana
- Samuel Kwadwo Owusu-Ansah, Ghana
- FemInStyle Africa, Ghana
- Cassandra Osei, University of Illinois, USA
- Nana Afua Yeboaa Brantuo, USA
- Jessica Armooh, UK
- Victoria Naa Adukwei Bulley, United Kingdom
- Abena Offeibea Asare-Boye, Ghana
- Anabella Afra Boateng , USA
- Nana Akua Agyeibea Asare-Boye, Ghana
- Kwasi Adarkwa, University of Ghana, Ghana
- Abena Okoampah, Ghana
- Maame Akosua Addai A., Ghana
- Jennifer Gbarinaa, Ghana
- Adjoa Okornore Manu, Ghana
- Awo Okaikor Aryee-Price, Ed.D., USA
- Efe Plange, The University of Texas at El Paso, USA
- Kojo Nyako, Ghana
- Amazing Grace Lois Danso, Ghana
- Efua Sintim, United Kingdom
- Tiffany Howard, Ghana
- Ama Gyamerah, USA
- Dr. Abena Ampofoa Asare, Stony Brook University, USA
- Amanor Apenkro, Ghana
- Prince Asante Marfo, Ghana
- Michael Gyan Nyarko, Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, South Africa
- Vida Awinime Bugri, France
- Baaba Quansah, Ghana
- Latifa Amadu, Ghana
- Chisomo Kalinga, United Kingdom
- Emiley Charley , USA
- Christopher Olaoluwa Ogunmodede, Nigeria
- Adwoa Hanson-Hall, Paula’s Choice, USA
- Naa Amerly Charley, USA
- Pamm Takyiwaa, Ghana
- Wairimu Muriithi, USA
- Sheilla Addison, Ghana
- Charlotte Addison, Ghana
- Nana Boahen, Canada
- Zeeyyah Ahmed Mudasir, Ghana
- Ngozi Plange, UK
- Nnennaya Amuchie, Washington D.C.
- Francesca Sobande, UK
- Helena Mate-Kole Rampe, England
- Isaac Dery (PhD), Ghana
- Gyasiwa Arhin, UK
- Ryan Ansah, England
- Akosua Adomako Ampofo, Ghana
- Sepo Achampong, Bou, Toronto, Canada
- Kennetha Brown, Ghana
- Nana Kwame Owusu-Ofori, Ghana
- Belinda “Ryeda” Attached, Ghana
- Nana Kwame Owusu-Ofori, Ghana
- Colette Adu – Badu, Ghana
- Adel Adam, Accra
- Adekunle, Boston, USA
- Maame Ama Boatemaa Agyenim, USA
- Michelle Bonsu, Canada
- Kofi Yeboah, University of Alberta, Canada
- Akosua A. I. Ampofo, Ghana
- Jennifer K. Akuamoah, Ghana
- Yasmin Wilkinson, USA
- Antoinette Sakyibea Ohene, Ghana
- Derek Ofori, Ghana
- Michelle Ansong, Toronto, Canada
- Takyiwaa Manuh, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Audrey Boateng, USA
- Nana Grace Barbara Teiko Kwapong, MBA, Oslo, Norway
- Dubie Toa-Kwappong, Norway/USA
- Ruth Tamakloe, Ghana
- Barbara Ofosu-Somuah, New York, NY, USA
- Dr. Darkowaa Adu-Kofi, Ghana
- Mistress Velvet, Chicago, USA
- Sena Afi Bleboo Akaba, United Kingdom
- Eric Gyamfi, Accra, Ghana
- Kofoworola Abiola, USA
- Christina Boateng, London, UK
- Naa Yarley, Ghana
- Couchhours, Ghana
- Maame Baffour, Ghana
- Tracy Brobbey, Ghana
- Kobena Ampofo, Ghana
- Vincentia Osabutey-Anikon, United Kingdom
- Abena Oworae, USA
- Ata Amponsah, USA
- Brittany Hudson, Toronto, Canada
- Khadijah Diskin, Rainbow Noir, Manchester
- Afi Elorm, Accra, Ghana
- Apefa Adjivon, Toronto, Canada
- Fui Can-Tamakloe, Accra, Ghana
- Flintwood Danso, New York
- Poetyk Prynx, Accra, Ghana
- Abena Asare, Ghana
- Audrey Boateng, USA
- Mo Saunders, Victoria, Canada
- Lee Dekel100% SILK, Toronto, Canada
- Nana Kwame Afosah, PhD, VCU, USA
- Jere Agbaje, London, United Kingdom
- Afua Anku, Comforting Queens, Canada
- Marian Addai, San Francisco, Canada
- Jessica Stead, Minneapolis, USA
- Françoise Moudouthe, AWDF, Ghana
- Akosua Achiah Adwini-Poku, Ghana
- Emma Urofsky, USA
- Alexis Osei, USA
- Elle Badu, USA
- Scovia Aweko, Uganda
- Kai Lutterodt, Diversity Matters, London
- Edwin Dzobo, Ghana
- Nana Yaa Asare Boadu, New York, USA
- Eliza Aba Kwofie, LUSPA, Ghana
- Nana Kwabena, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Ami Akoto, Ghana
- Khadia Alexandra Okai-koi, Ghana
- Abena Boamah, Chicago, USA
- Joanna Aryee-Atta, Germany
- Suzanne Mol, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Alidu Abdallah, ANYTASK, Accra
- Nanama Boatemaa Acheampong, Ghana
- Miss Anita E Asamoah MPH, Public Health Perspectives, Ghana
- Idris Ajia, UK
- Theophilus Sosu, University of Professional Studies, Ghana
- Lux Designs Gh, Ghana
- Elliot Akosa, Accra, Ghana
- Pontso Mafethe, African Women’s Development Fund, Ghana
- Daniel Ansah-Quaye, Accra, Ghana
- Pearl Ehlan, Ghana
- Latifatu Sulemana, Accra, Ghana
- James Quarshie, Drama Queens Ghana, Accra
- Tanoa Sasraku, London, England
- Adwoa Darko, SOAS, London, UK
- Davida Afriyie, London
- Elorm Koto, USA
- Aba Akyianu, Lawyer, Canada
- Kwabena Agyare, Ghana
- Nana Ambon Akasi, USA
- Marcia Frimpong, USA
- Ewurama Akroma Dontoh, Monash University, Malaysia
- Ese Esiso, Nigeria
- Kwasi Oti-Awere, MBA, Canada
- Zoë Gadegbeku, USA
- Abeer Alam, UAE
- Latifah Cecilia Ama Cengel, Beauty & Politics, Frankfurt, Germany
- Ariel Arman Woode, Ghana
- Naana Ewol, USA
- Chantelle Myers, Canada
Asaase Yaa Mma 