kuul In a deeply concerning incident that underscores Ghana’s ongoing struggle with LGBTQ+ rights, two men were reportedly attacked by anti LGBTQ mob at Kasoa Cp in early March 2023. The attack, which occurred under Ghana’s colonial-era anti-LGBTQ+ laws, has sparked outrage among human rights advocates and renewed debates about freedom, dignity, and justice in the West African nation.
According to local sources, the two men were attacked following a tip-off from community members alleging their involvement in a same-sex relationship. The two men named Stephen Taylor and one Gideon were caught in the room of Stephen in an intimate position and were beaten, Gideon managed to escape but Stephen was not so lucky, he was hospitalized and passed on after two weeks, Gideon on the other hand has not been heard from since the incident and no one knows his whereabouts .
Ghana’s LGBTQ+ community has long faced systemic discrimination, but tensions have intensified since 2021 with the proposed *Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill*. This draft legislation, still under parliamentary review as of June 2023, seeks to impose harsher penalties—including up to five years in jail—for identifying as LGBTQ+ or advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. Religious and political leaders have largely supported the bill, framing it as a defense of “Ghanaian family values,” while activists warn it could institutionalize violence and persecution.
The Kasoa incident reflects broader societal attitudes. A 2023 survey by Afrobarometer revealed that 70% of Ghanaians would report LGBTQ+ individuals to authorities if given the chance, highlighting the precarious reality for queer Ghanaians.
Human rights organizations have condemned the arrests. Angela Dwamena-Aboagye, director of the Ark Foundation, stated, “Targeting individuals for their perceived sexuality violates fundamental human rights. Ghana’s laws must protect all citizens, not weaponize prejudice.”
Local LGBTQ+ support groups, operating discreetly due to safety risks, have mobilized legal aid for the detained men. “This isn’t just about two people—it’s about the message it sends to an entire community living in fear,” said a representative from Rightify Ghana, speaking anonymously.
While the Kasoa case has drawn fleeting attention, it underscores urgent calls for legal reform. Activists emphasize that decriminalizing same-sex relations and fostering inclusive dialogue are critical steps toward aligning Ghana’s laws with its constitutional promise of equality.
As the world marks Pride Month, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the global divide in LGBTQ+ rights. For Ghana, the challenge lies in reconciling tradition with the universal principles of human rights—a journey that demands courage, empathy, and unwavering solidarity.
