Charles Boamah Adusei
A tense atmosphere has gripped the Daaho neighborhood in Mampong Ashanti following a violent confrontation late Friday night, January 27, where an angry local mob descended upon a residential building to break up an alleged homosexual rendezvous.
The incident, which sent shockwaves through the local community, highlights the growing intolerance for activities deemed contrary to the sociocultural and religious values of the country, as Parliament continues to deliberate heavily on tightening anti-LGBTQ+ legislation.
The Midnight Raid
According to local residents and youth leaders who spoke to this paper, suspicion had been mounting for several months regarding the unusually close relationship between two local young men. The group is said to have as part of its effort to investigate the true relationship between the two, kept a close watch on a property located at House 12, Daaho Street.
At around midnight on Friday, the mob gathered outside the residence. Some local residents who spoke to this paper claim that upon hearing voices from inside, the group began banging violently on the door, shouting local slurs, including “trumu trumu” (a derogatory term for homosexual acts), demanding that the occupants open up immediately.
“We cannot allow these forbidden, un-African behaviors to corrupt our neighborhood,” said one youth leader who participated in the raid but asked to remain anonymous. “We gave them an ultimatum to open the door, or we would break it down ourselves.”
Narrow Escape and Violent Aftermath
Realizing they were cornered, a chaotic scene unfolded inside the house. While the main occupant of the room moved toward the door to confront or delay the mob, his alleged partner managed to open a window, slip out into the darkness, and flee the scene using a motorcycle parked nearby.
Unfortunate for the remaining suspect, identified by neighbors as Wilson Amankwaah, a local evening grocery vendor who was left to face the wrath of the enraged crowd alone. The situation is reported to have rapidly escalated into severe mob justice before authorities could intervened.
26-year-old Amankwaah was subjected to a brutal beating by the crowd, leaving him with catastrophic, life-threatening injuries. He was rushed to a local hospital, where medical staff confirmed he remains bedridden and in critical condition, reportedly unable to walk or recognize individuals.
Police Launch Manhunt for Accomplice
The Mampong District Police Command has since launched a full investigation into the incident. Authorities have visited the crime scene and are actively tracing the whereabouts of the second individual who escaped through the window.
While the police have condemned the act of residents taking the law into their own hands, they reiterated that their enforcement actions are necessary to protect the public interest.
“We are tracking down the fleeing suspect, who this paper has come to identify as one Charles Boamah Adusei, considered an accomplice in this illegal affair,” a police source confirmed. “In pursuing this individual, the police are acting in the interest of Ghana’s social and cultural norms. We urge the public to remain calm and allow the authorities to handle the administration of justice. Do not resort to violence, but report any suspicious activity to the nearest station.”
Meanwhile, a deep sense of shame has fallen on the neighborhood, with local community elders expressing outrage over the “tarnished image” of the area. Rumors continue to circulate widely across Mampong as family members of the involved parties face immense social isolation and community backlash.
Effort by this paper to speak to Charles Boamah Adusei for his side of the incident, proved futile as he is said to have gone into hidding shortly after the attempt on he and his alleged gay partner’s life.
By Kwabena Mensah, Regional Correspondent, Mampong Ashanti