Recent events in Nima, a densely populated and impoverished suburb of Accra, have highlighted urgent issues around violence and discrimination. On December 20, 2022, a tragic incident occurred when a mob attacked two men, killing one and leaving the other missing, over allegations of homosexual activity.
According to local sources, Masslarry Akilu and another man, identified as Kamal, were reportedly seen in a private moment, triggering outrage from some residents. Fatima Abdallah, a local resident, described the scene: “I heard shouting and saw people rushing towards an abandoned building. Someone was shouting that they had caught two men having sex. A large crowd quickly gathered.”
The situation escalated swiftly, with the mob attacking both men. A local shopkeeper recounted the chaos: “People were throwing stones and beating them with sticks. One man couldn’t escape and was severely beaten. Akilu managed to flee, but no one has seen him since.”
One of the men, believed to be Akilu’s friend, was found dead at the scene. Akilu’s current whereabouts remain unknown, raising serious concerns about his safety. Attempts to contact their families have been unsuccessful, likely due to fears of further violence.
Despite the gravity of the situation, local authorities have been criticized for their slow response. A police spokesperson confirmed awareness of the incident but provided no updates on the investigation’s progress. Community leaders have been notably silent, with one local youth leader stating, “We do not support violence, but we also cannot accept behaviors that go against our cultural values.”
This apparent reluctance to address the case thoroughly has drawn criticism from human rights advocates, who argue that the authorities’ response reflects a troubling bias. The incident underscores the need for a rigorous investigation and justice, irrespective of the victims’ sexual orientation.
The event has also sparked discussions about LGBTQ+ rights and safety in Ghana, where same-sex relationships remain illegal. Activists argue that such laws contribute to an environment 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 changes in the authorities’ approach to similar incidents in the future.
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