The former Black Stars midfielder has received massive insults on social media after his open declaration for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Pansexual, Transgender, Genderqueer, Queer, Intersex and Agender community in Ghana.
On February 24, the Ghana Police Service and personnel of National Security locked up a 5-bedroom apartment serving as an office for LGBTQI+ Rights Ghana in Accra.
The former AC Milan and Real Madrid man has received a barrage of criticism and abuse following his public comment on the explosive sensitive matter that has been trending in Ghana.
Earlier this week, celebrities across the world, especially those with Ghanaian heritage including Idris Elba, Naomi Campbell were amongst 67 stars who voiced out their support for the growing LGBT community in Ghana.
Essien, 38, who played 168 times for Premier League giants Chelsea and made 58 appearances for the Ghana national team, added his voice to calls for LGBTQI rights to be protected in Ghana, amidst increased attacks on the sexual minority.
He wrote on his instagram along with a ‘Ghana Support Equality’ sign designed in the red, gold, green of the Ghana colors: “We see you, we hear you, we support you. Our LGBTQIA plus community in Ghana. #Ghanasupportequality”
The President of Ghana Nana Akufo-Addo who had come under pressure from religious institutions said that homosexuality will not be legalized under his watch.
“It will not be under the presidency of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo that same-sex marriage will be legalized in Ghana, it will never happen in my time as president,” he stressed.
