October 15, 2024 | Kumasi, Ghana – A violent homophobic attack in Kumasi has left one man dead and another seriously injured, intensifying national calls for urgent action on LGBTQ+ safety and human rights in Ghana.
The assault occurred at the Noble House Hotel (popularly known as Yaw Hotel) near Manhyia, where Inusah Yaro and his partner, Ibrahim, were ambushed by a group of young men. Eyewitnesses say the attackers hurled slurs and accused the couple of “satanic behaviour” before launching a brutal and sustained assault.
Ibrahim succumbed to his injuries, while Inusah survived with severe bruises and a dislocated shoulder. He has since gone into hiding, and his current whereabouts remain unknown as he fears for his life.
History of Targeted Harassment
The attack is believed to be linked to a 2023 incident when Inusah was publicly outed at a nightclub in Asafo. A former friend exposed his relationship with another man, prompting widespread ridicule, threats, and rejection by his family.
Since then, Inusah had been living in fear, constantly relocating to avoid detection. Friends believe his attackers had been monitoring his movements for months.
“This was not a random act of violence,” a close acquaintance said. “They waited for the right moment to strike.”
Rising Tide of Anti-LGBTQ+ Violence
This incident reflects a growing climate of hostility toward LGBTQ+ individuals in Ghana. Over the past year, human rights organizations have reported an increase in hate speech, harassment, and violent attacks targeting sexual minorities.
The Ghana Police Service has not yet released a formal statement. Meanwhile, LGBTQ+ advocacy groups are calling for an immediate and thorough investigation.
“This is a test of our commitment to justice and human dignity,” said a Kumasi-based activist. “Whether or not you support LGBTQ+ rights, no Ghanaian deserves to be hunted and killed.”
Legal Framework and Fear
Under Ghana’s Criminal Offences Act (Act 29), Section 104 criminalizes same-sex sexual activity. While the law is rarely enforced through the courts, it emboldens vigilante violence and widespread discrimination.
Many LGBTQ+ individuals, including Inusah, fear reporting crimes to authorities due to potential persecution or legal consequences.
“The existing laws create a culture where people think they have a right to attack others simply for being different,” said a legal expert in Accra. “It fosters impunity, and that’s incredibly dangerous.”
National Outcry and Legislative Debate
The attack has sparked widespread condemnation on social media and from civil society groups. Human rights organizations are urging political and religious leaders to denounce the violence and foster a more inclusive society.
The incident also reignites debate over the controversial Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, currently before Parliament. If passed, it would criminalize LGBTQ+ advocacy and impose harsh penalties on those supporting LGBTQ+ rights.
“We must ask ourselves what kind of society we want to live in,” said a human rights lawyer in Kumasi. “Because no law, no bill, and no tradition justifies the kind of brutality we’ve seen in this case.”
A Life Lost, A Nation on Edge
As Inusah mourns the loss of his partner and struggles with the trauma, his story is a stark reminder of the dangers LGBTQ+ Ghanaians face every day—often in silence.
For Ibrahim, whose life was cut short for simply loving another man, there is growing public demand that his death not be forgotten.
“This should be a turning point,” said a statement from a local youth coalition. “Ghana must rise above fear, hate, and ignorance. We must uphold the values of compassion, freedom, and human dignity for all.”
This was not just a crime it was a national wake-up call. Until comprehensive protections are put in place, LGBTQ+ individuals in Ghana will continue to live in fear, wondering who might be next.
