Violent Mob Assault in Nima: One Dead and One Missing Following Reported Same-Sex Incident
As a society, we must address our biases and demand justice for everyone, regardless of their gender, religion, or sexual orientation. Violence and discrimination based on sexual preferences are unacceptable. It is crucial for authorities to act swiftly, investigate incidents of victimization and abuse, and ensure the safety of all individuals.
A recent violent incident in Nima, a densely populated and largely impoverished suburb of Accra, resulted in one man’s death and another’s disappearance after a mob allegedly attacked them over suspicions of homosexual activity.
On December 20, 2022, local sources report that Masslarry Akilu and another man, referred to as Kamal, were reportedly seen in a private moment, sparking anger among some residents. Witnesses say a crowd quickly gathered and became violent. “I heard shouting and saw people rushing towards an abandoned building,” said Fatima Abdallah, a local resident. “Someone was shouting that they had caught two men having sex. Soon, a large crowd had assembled.”
The situation rapidly deteriorated as the mob attacked both men. A local shopkeeper described the chaos: “It was mayhem. People were throwing stones and beating him with sticks. One man couldn’t escape and was beaten badly. Akilu ran away, but no one has seen him since.”
One of the victims, identified as Akilu’s companion by some, was declared dead at the scene. Akilu remains missing, raising serious concerns about his safety. Efforts to contact their families have been unsuccessful, likely due to fears of further targeting.
Despite the severity of the situation, local authorities seem hesitant to conduct a thorough investigation. A police spokesperson acknowledged the incident but offered no details on the progress of their inquiry. Community leaders have also been reserved, with one youth leader stating, “We do not support violence in our community, but we also cannot accept behaviors that conflict with our cultural values.”
This reluctance to address the case has drawn criticism from human rights advocates, who argue that the authorities’ tepid response reflects a bias that undermines justice. This incident of mob violence demands a comprehensive investigation and accountability, regardless of the victims’ sexual orientation.
The event has ignited discussions about LGBTQ+ rights and safety in Ghana, where same-sex relationships remain illegal. Activists claim that such laws foster a hostile environment and violence against LGBTQ+ individuals.
As the search for Akilu continues, it remains to be seen how this case will be resolved and whether it will lead to changes in the authorities’ approach to similar incidents in the future.
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