A young man identified as Felix Tritriku narrowly escaped death after being attacked by an angry mob in the rural community of Dodowa, near Tema.
The incident occurred late Wednesday when Felix was allegedly caught engaging in same-sex activity with another young man.
The attack, which could have turned fatal, was halted by the timely intervention of a local church group conducting a Bible study nearby. Members of the group shielded Felix from the enraged crowd and escorted him to safety.
In the midst of the altercation, our reporter managed to speak to a witness and participant in the mob attack, who identified himself as Scopper Antwi. “I know Felix from Community 18 in Tema.
Back in June last year, he was caught in a similar act with another young man named Ransford Cobbinah, who has since disappeared,” Scopper recounted.
According to Scopper, he was shocked that Felix continued to engage in such activities after a prior attack on him. “I thought he would have stopped by now, considering what happened last time,” he said.
This latest incident underscores the growing hostility and violence faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in Ghana, especially in rural areas. Reports of mob attacks and social ostracization against people perceived to be part of the LGBTQ+ community have surged in recent months, sparking renewed concern among human rights organizations.
A Growing Crisis
Felix’s ordeal highlights the precarious situation for LGBTQ+ individuals in Ghana, where same-sex relationships remain criminalized, and societal stigmatization is widespread. Activists warn that incidents like this are becoming more common, with victims often suffering in silence due to fear of further retribution.
Local advocacy groups have called for greater education and awareness to combat deep-seated prejudices, while others are pushing for legal reforms to protect LGBTQ+ individuals from such acts of violence.
A Community Divided
In Dodowa, the incident has left the community divided. While some residents supported the actions of the mob, others, like the church group that intervened, called for compassion and peaceful resolution. One member of the church group, who asked to remain anonymous, said, “No one deserves to face death for their lifestyle. We are all human, and it’s our duty to protect life, not take it.”
Call to Action
As Felix recovers from his ordeal, questions remain about the fate of LGBTQ+ individuals in Ghana.
Human rights advocates are urging the government and local leaders to take immediate action to address the escalating violence and ensure the safety of all citizens, regardless of their sexual orientation.
This incident is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in Ghana and the urgent need for dialogue, understanding, and legal protections to prevent such attacks in the future.