As a society, we must confront our biases and demand justice for all manner of persons irrespective of their gender, religion or sexual preference. No one deserves to face violence or discrimination based on
their sexual choices. Is the apparent duty of authorities to take immediate action, looking into incidents that victimize and abuse individuals, and ensure the safety of all people.
A violent occurrence in Nima, a densely populated and mostly slum suburb of Accra, has left one man dead and another missing after an angry mob allegedly attacked them on suspicion of engaging in
homosexual activity.
According to local sources, Masslarry Akilu and another man, whose identity we are unable to confirm but has been reportedly referred to as Kamal, were allegedly caught in an intimate situation on December 20,
2022, sparking outrage among some community members. Eyewitnesses report that a crowd quickly gathered and turned violent. “I heard shouting and saw people running towards an abandoned building,” said Fatima Abdallah, a resident of the area. “Someone was yelling that they caught two men having sex. Before long, a huge crowd had formed.”
The situation escalated rapidly, with the mob reportedly attacking both men. A local shop owner, whom we spoke to, described the scene: “It was chaos. People were throwing stones and beating him with sticks.
One guy couldn’t escape and was beaten severely. Akilu managed to run, but no one has seen him since.”
One of the two victims, who some describe to be Akilu’s friend, was pronounced dead at the scene. Akilu’s whereabouts remain unknown, raising concerns for his safety. Several attempts to speak to either
family have so far failed obviously for fear that they too might be targeted.
Despite the gravity of the situation, local authorities appear reluctant to investigate thoroughly. When approached for comment, a police spokesperson stated, “We are aware of the incident and are looking into it,” but provided no further details on the investigation’s progress. Community leaders have also been notably reticent. A local youth and opinion leader, when asked about the incident, said, “We do not
condone violence in our community, but we also cannot accept behaviors that go against our cultural values.”
This apparent hesitation to address the incident has drawn criticism from human rights advocates. The authorities’ bias is evident in their lackluster response. This is a clear case of mob violence that demands thorough investigation and justice, regardless of the victims’ perceived sexual orientation.
The incident has sparked debates about LGBTQ+ rights and safety in Ghana, where same-sex relationships are still deemed illegal. Activists argue that such laws contribute to a climate of hostility and violence against LGBTQ+ individuals.
As the search for Akilu continues, questions remain about how this case will be handled and whether it will prompt any changes in how authorities respond to such incidents in the future.
Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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