Do you have absolute confidence in the state to protect you at all times and from all harms? Are your rights and beliefs of any importance to institutions tasked to shelter you from storms of abuse and victimization? Well, not many can answer these questions in the affirmative. Abdul Samed Yunus and many others would certainly have different views on this subject.
Abdul Samed Yunus, a young man who grew up in Madina, Accra, Ghana, had always known that he was attracted to men. However, as a devout Muslim in a community where homosexuality is forbidden and stigmatized, he kept this aspect of his identity a secret.
Abdul attended an Islamic boys’ school at Madina in the capital of Ghana. Per eyewitness reports, Abdul had always been involved with fellow boys while at school. He struggled with his feelings in a society where homosexuality is regarded as grave abomination and tried to avoid public attention. However, the ever-suspicious community never took their eyes off him.
Apparently after school, Abdul became a taxi driver to make a living. One day, someone from his community pretended to be sexually attracted to him and lured him to a secluded area where he was viciously beaten on May 25th, 2010. The attack left him with severe injuries and he was rushed to the hospital by some kind passersby.
According to information obtained from his community, in order to save face and avoid further abuse, Abdul was pressured to marry a woman, but the harassment and abuse continued. Feeling like he had no other choice, Abdul decided to flee from the community or perhaps the country, to save his dear life. Our relentless efforts to find the whereabouts of Abdul Samed have proven unsuccessful till now. Our attemptsto get in touch with his family to inquire about his whereabouts have also thus far proven futile, as they have refused to comment on the matter.
Community leaders and police remained silent about the incident, failing to take any action to protect Abdul or bring his attackers to justice. Per our findings, the whereabouts remain unknown to even his family who have since received no information about his current location or well-being. Abdul’s story highlights the harsh reality faced by LGBT+ individuals in Ghana, where same-sex relationships are criminalized and punishable by imprisonment. Many LGBT+ individuals face discrimination, harassment, and violence from their communities and the authorities who are meant to protect them.
It is important for Ghanaian society to move towards greater acceptance and inclusivity, recognizing the rights of all individuals regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Until then, many LGBT+ individuals will continue to face persecution and discrimination, with little support or protection from the authorities.
