‘I Saw Gays In Models’ - Benjamin Nana Addo Asiedu

Though News reports about homosexuals have become rampant in Ghana in recent times, it has been rather difficult or almost impossible to pinpoint which person or group of persons are involved in the act which is mostly done behind closed doors.

Pure suspicion and hearsay have remained the trend for determining who a homosexual is in Ghana, with female footballers and athletes mostly branded as lesbians, while male models are branded as gays. They are usually branded as ‘supi’ and Kojobasia’ respectively.

After the Minster for the Western Region, Paul Aidoo, ordered security agencies in his region to arrest all homosexuals or suspected homosexuals, News-One decided to find out from the main group of professionals often suspected to be homosexuals, what their views on the issue would be.

Francis Addo spoke to Benjamin Nana Addo Asiedu, popularly known as Zion, a male model trainer at the Exopa Model Agency.

“Modeling was the last thing I had in mind growing up because, just like many people, I also though male models are gays. Everyone said they are kojobasia and as a child, I also believed it maybe because of the way they dress and walk; their mannerisms and so on and so forth. So that perception or suspicion is there but it is not real. It is just an unjustified suspicion.

“When I entered the profession, I realized that this is just not true. As you can see, I am a model and I’m not a gay. Though there may be gay models, I have never met one. Unless you want to tell me that in your profession, you can tell me what you colleagues do in the privacy of their rooms. We even hear there are some gay pastors so I won’t be shocked if there are models who may be gays but I am saying I have never met one or heard of one and not all male models are gays,” Zion explained.

Zion said it was difficult to explain why people still held this perception but added it might be due to the Ghanaian culture, in which parents rarely allow their children to go into entertainment.

“It is a Ghanaian thing, or an African thing I should say. Modeling is a major industry but people still do not understand it and out of ignorance would brand male models as gays just like many parents though music and football was a job for ‘kubolors’. Interestingly, the same parents would love to have Dede Ayew or Becca as a child, so it is just a matter of time and Ghanaian models would start to shine to an extent that people would admire the profession and stop saying things they do not know,” Zion added.

Zion, 30, is a successful professional model and actor with immense respect on the runway.

He hails from Akuapem-Mampong in the Eastern region. His most recent contract was to be a billboard model for Stone Alcoholic beverage. He also featured in the movie, ‘White Is Black’, co-starring Hip Life grand papa Reggie Rockstone. He was recently also cast for a photo shoot for fabric giant Da Viva, in Ghana,

He has been with Exopa Model Agency since it was established in Ghana. Zion admires Tyrese Gibson very much. “I like his stature and I like the way he sings because I also rap, sing and act.