There is still much to be desired of our so-called modern society. It is pathetic to know that, in the face so many years of advancement and progress, our society today still refuses to accept people simply because of their sexual preferences. How on earth should what two consenting adults choose to be doing behind closed doors bother a third party? It is not uncommon to find people being discriminated against verbally and physically abused in Ghana, just because they are assumed to be associated with the LGBTQ community. What is even more disturbing is the silence of authorities amidst such amounts of malice. One can readily conclude that the silence of those who parade the corridors of power has emboldened these perpetrators of evil. Political, religious and community leaders have all failed the very people they claim to be protecting.
Brave Allumey and Samuel Ankrah are unfortunate victims of hate motivated attacks. Brave 32 and Samuel 25 are said to be alleged gay partners. According to eyewitnesses ’reports the two men have long been on the radar of an anti-gay vigilante group residing in Alajo, a suburb of Accra—where Samuel reportedly lives. Per reports, Brave and his alleged gay partner met their unfortunate fate when visited Samuel at his home on April 20, 2023. It is not rare to come across incidents of such attacks in this neighborhood, where a lot of either unemployed and underemployed youths channel their wrath to
unfortunate victims. These attacks mostly happen under the umbrella of religion and custom. Brave and Samuel are said to have been rounded up by the angry mob when the “couple” were men having a
“private time” in Samuel’s house.
People who witnessed the incident say that the victims were verbally and physically abused—leaving the scene very bloody. Per the accounts, Brave managed to find some iota of courage and strength to flee from the brutal situation. However, his companion, Samuel Ankrah could not escape. Neighbors who were present at the scene report that, Samuel was beaten till he lay lifeless in a pool of blood. Many accounts suggest that Samuel did not survive the needless abuse. Our team has tried numerous times to get in touch with and speak to the victims ’families but the efforts have proven unsuccessful thus far. The families are refraining from speaking to journalists, fearing that their comments may spark a new wave of harassment on them. Attempts have also been made to inquire from the Police Division at
Alajo to know if a formal investigation into the incident has commenced. However, the Police Department continues to be tight lipped on the matter. Religious groups and community leaders remain adamant to get involved in what is supposed to be a matter of public interest. Everyone is taking the “Holier than the Pope” stance, choosing to abstain from issues pertaining to attacks on people of the LGBTQ sect.
It also continues to be unclear whether or not Brave indeed escaped the scene and safe. All attempts to contact him or his family have been futile. Only God knows if he is alive and well or not. Our country cannot be a forward thinking one if people are allowed to take the laws into their own hands, especially on issues relating to minority groups. The lackadaisical attitude of the police continues to urge these brute vigilante groups to carry on with their evil deeds. Diversity and tolerance must become part of our social fabric allowing everyone to live in absolute peace and dignity. However, the opposite is what we continue to witness on daily basis. It’s heartbreaking to know that the Legislative House of Ghana is on the verge of passing an anti LGBTQ law. This does not help the situation in any way whatsoever except to incite violence and hatred towards minority groups. Civil society organizations, and other human rights groups must rise and be the voice of the voiceless. This isn’t the freedom and justice we signed up for!
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