A 53-year-old man has narrowly escaped from being lynched by an angry mob after he was allegedly caught indulging in homosexuality at Bompata in the Ashanti region.
According to sources, the victim, Ali, was traced by some angry youth but managed to escape with a broken arm and other injuries.
The incident enraged the community further, leading the youth to break into his home and destroy belongings worth thousands of cedis.
Bompata, a community with a mix of Muslims and Christians, strictly prohibits homosexuality, viewing it as an abomination according to both Islamic and Christian teachings. Community elders have since declared Ali wanted, offering a handsome reward for any assistance in apprehending him.
According to community leaders, Ali’s behaviour posed a risk of influencing the youth in the area. One victim, a young man around twenty years old, revealed his ordeal to his uncle, Mr. Issah, who confronted Ali’s brother, Alhaji Nafiu Ibrahim. Fearing for his safety, Ali’s family helped him flee to Obuasi and later arranged for him to seek asylum in Canada.
Mr. Musah, the victim’s uncle, vowed to pursue justice. “I can’t forgive Ali for what he did to my nephew. The boy is now traumatized and stigmatized in the community,” he said.
In Ghana, the issue of homosexuality remains highly contentious. Meanwhile, Ali’s family has reported the case to the police.
Story by Muyid Deen Suleman
