Sister Derby, a well-known Ghanaian musician and LGBTQ+ advocate, has spoken out against the use of homophobia as a political tool. Her comments come in response to recent statements made by former President John Mahama regarding LGBTQ+ rights in Ghana.
In a tweet, Sister Derby addressed the issue, saying “Stop using homophobia to get votes. It’s low. It’s lazy.”
Her comments come after Mahama, who is running for president in the upcoming 2024 elections, stated that he does not support the legalization of same-sex marriage in Ghana. This position has received backlash from LGBTQ+ activists and allies, who argue that it perpetuates discrimination and marginalization of the community.
Sister Derby has been a vocal supporter of LGBTQ+ rights in Ghana and has used her platform to advocate for greater acceptance and inclusivity. In 2020, she released a song and accompanying music video titled “Sweet Exorcist,” which tackled the issue of homophobia in Ghanaian society.
Her latest comments calling out politicians for using homophobia as a means to garner votes have sparked a discussion on the intersection of politics and LGBTQ+ rights in Ghana. Many have praised Sister Derby for speaking out against the weaponization of homophobia for political gain.
As the debate on LGBTQ+ rights in Ghana continues to unfold, it is clear that public figures like Sister Derby will play a crucial role in advocating for greater acceptance and understanding of the LGBTQ+ community.