Ace broadcaster and talk-show host, Akumaa Mama Zimbi says that Ghana needs no gay rights, adding her voice to the growing debate on gay rights in Ghana following recent demands by the British Prime Minister, David Cameron.           

She comments:  “The youth of Ghana are ready to fight this battle and show that the black man is capable of managing his own affairs. Ghana will not legalize homosexuality no matter what. But I still insist that the youth of Ghana are prepared to guard our own foundations, our own African identity and Personality, and keep our cultural and moral values for posterity. Any attempt to force Ghana to take this path, I shall personally lead the youth of Ghana to a nationwide movement and demonstration against it, and I hope you will be ready to join me on the streets. That is what makes us unique. That is our pride…medaase…”

The Montreal Community Contact monthly newspaper, the most authoritative news provider for the Black and Caribbean community in Canada, recently described Akumaa Mama Zimbi as “Oprah Winfrey of Ghana”. This international endorsement did not come as a surprise as the most romantic voice on radio, Mama Zimbi, is steadily becoming a cultural icon in Africa.

Known in private life as Mrs. Joyce Akumaa Dongotey-Padi, Mama has been awarded two coveted international awards. The first prestigious award she received was ‘The Defender of the Vulnerable Award 2011’ from the Centre for Economic and Leadership Development (CELD), a non-governmental organization with an overriding vision to empower the vulnerable in achieving their full potential. The organisation has its headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria.

The award was given to her during a dinner organised by CELD, in collaboration with ECOWAS Female Parliamentarian Association (ECOFEPA) at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra on October 27, 2011.
Interestingly, on the same day, Mama Zimbi was awarded the ‘TIAW World of Difference 100 Awards 2011’ by The International Alliance for Women (TIAW).