Ex-Ghana and Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien forced to delete post endorsing LGBTQI community in Ghana

Former Ghana and Chelsea midfielder, Michael Essien, has come under intense pressure for endorsing LGBTQI community in Ghana, taking to Instagram to urge support for the group.

The Lesbians, Gays, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex (LGBTQI) group have come under scrutiny in Ghana following increased activism for equality in sexual rights in the country.

In a now-deleted Instagram post on Monday, March 1, the Assistant Manager for FC Nordsjaelland wrote, "Ghana Support Equality’ sign designed in the red, gold, green of the Ghana colours: “We see you, we hear you, we support you. Our LGBTQIA plus community in Ghana. #Ghanasupportequality.”

This follows the open letter signed by sixty-seven Africans in Hollywood who called on President Nana Akufo-Addo and political/cultural leaders “to engage in meaningful dialogues with persons in the LGTBQI+ community.”

Minutes after his post, Twitter went crazy as many tweeps came for him for throwing his support to the group.

See a screenshot of his now-deleted post below:

Meanwhile at a recent speech during the installation of the 2nd Archbishop of the Anglican Church held in Asante Mampong, H.E Nana Akufo-Addo stated that same-sex marriage will remain illegal under his Presidency.

“I have said it before, and let me stress it again, that it will not be under the Presidency of Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo-Addo that same-sex marriage will be legal,” he stressed.