Alex Kofi Donkor, who runs the center called “LGBT + Rights Ghana” in the country’s capital, Accra, He told CNN on Thursday that he is now worried about his safety after the raid.
“I just contacted our lawyers; right now there’s a dangerous situation and I have to disconnect,” Donkor told CNN.
The community center, which opened on January 31 in a ceremony attended by a delegation from the European Union and other foreign embassies, faced opposition from the outset and provoked much anger among locals who they asked for it to be closed.
A spokesman for the Ghana Police Service declined to comment on the shutdown of the non-profit center, described as a movement “advocating for the freedom of LGBT + people in Ghana”.
“We anticipated it,” he posted. “We will succeed. It is possible that the police have stormed our office and closed it, but the real office is in our heart and in our mind.”
“The issue of LGBT people is an issue that when mentioned is creates some controversy, but what I mean is that our laws are clear about these practices. It is criminal … to have unnatural carnal knowledge with another person,” he said. dir Sarfo. in the video.
“As for the issue of their criminality, it’s not negotiable, in terms of cultural acceptance and norms, these practices are also frowned upon. For me, it’s about two different clarities on the issue and that is what I strongly advocate, “he added.
Earlier this month, President Joe Biden directed U.S. departments and agencies to “promote and protect the human rights of lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender people everywhere.”
“When foreign governments decide to restrict the rights of LGBTQI + people or do not apply legal protections, thus contributing to a climate of intolerance, agencies hired abroad will need to consider appropriate responses, including the use of the full range. of diplomatic and assistance tools and, as appropriate financial sanctions, visa restrictions and other actions, ”the presidential note said.