Police shut down LGBTQI office in Accra
The police Wednesday morning closed down the recently opened office of a Lesbians, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex (LGBTQI) group in Accra, Ghana.
The five bedroom apartment, which was housing the group at Ashongman Estate was opened on Sunday, January 31, 2021.
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The official opening and fundraising ceremony was attended by diplomats including the Australian High Commissioner to Ghana, Ambassador Gregory Andrews and his partner Rachael, the Dannish Ambassador to Ghana, Ambassador Tom Nørring and his wife, Bridgit, as well as officials of the European Union (EU) in Ghana.
Following the opening of the facility, there has been opposition from anti-LGBQTI stakeholders with calls on government to resist any attempt by the group to lawfully operate in Ghana since Ghana’s laws frowned on it.
The Kwabenya Traditional Council also opposed the opening of the office in their area.
The gates to the house under lock and key
Although the Police is yet to comment on the situation, the group tweeted that, “This morning, our office was raided by National Security.”
“At this moment, we no longer have access to our safe space and our safety is being threatened,” they added.
This morning, our office was raided by National Security. A few days ago, traditional leaders threatened to burn down our office but the police did not help. pic.twitter.com/FM2XVXDnJL
— LGBT+ Rights Ghana (@LGBTRightsGhana) February 24, 2021
At this moment, we no longer have access to our safe space and our safety is being threatened. We call on all human rights organizations, and allies to speak out against these attacks and hate crimes we are being subjected to. #LetItBeKnown.#LGBTRightsInGhana pic.twitter.com/a05RjqNBXz
— LGBT+ Rights Ghana (@LGBTRightsGhana) February 24, 2021Yes! Our safe space has been raided by the police.
— LGBT+ Rights Ghana (@LGBTRightsGhana) February 24, 2021
We are all safe at the moment. It’s time to fight. #SayNoToDiscrimination#saynotohomophobia #Wewillgetthroughthis#TogetherWeBuild pic.twitter.com/Ctw4xtkCJl