The African Commission condemns arbitrary arrests of LGBTI activists in Ghana

On 15th June 2021, the African Commission of People and Human Rights and the Special Rapporteur on the rights of Human Rights defenders, Rémy Ngoy Lumbu, demonstrated their concerns about the illegal arrest of 21 LGBTI defenders by police agents in the city of Ho, Ghana. The victims were arrested because they were trying to establish a non-governmental organization to protect the rights of LGBTI people in the country. As a result, they were indicted for illegal reunion under article 202 of Ghana’s criminal code. In addition, the local tribunal denied the requests of their lawyers for temporary release until the judgment. The Special Rapporteur expressed its deepest disapproval regarding the arbitrary arrests and stated that they represent a clear violation of the rights to freedom of expression and freedom of association enshrined in articles 9, 10 et 11 of the African Charter on Human Rights. He also urged the Government of Ghana to observe its legal obligations under the African Charter and to pay attention to resolution number 275 (LV) of 2014, which secures the protection of people against violence and other sorts of Human Rights violation based on sexual orientation. For further information, please visit: https://www.achpr.org/fr_pressrelease/detail?id=584 (In French)