Suspected gay men attacked at Labadi.

Laws must be enforced but the State becomes rather lawless if reckless citizens take the laws into their own hands. Mohammed Mustapha Sani (47), and his alleged boyfriend, Mohammed Gargo (40), became typical victims of lawlessness on March 20, 2022.

Mustapha, who is married and has six children, and his said lover, Gargo, met their bitter fate at the popular Labadi Beach Resort in Ghana s capital, Accra. The two men had gone there for relaxation like many others when a group of arm-wielding youths attacked them. Per eye witness accounts, Mustapha and Gargo were caught making love at the beach, and this sparked off a series of merciless attacks on the two, leading to the untimely demise of Gargo. According to reports, Mustapha had been tied to a tree and later forced to drink water from the sea. He, Mustapha, however was able to flee from being beaten to death.

Later that same evening, some members of the mob who attacked and assaulted the duo at the beach were seen marching to Mustapha’s home. Luckily, Mustapha had not been home when the mob arrived. His absence was said to have angered the mob as they verbally abused his family and caused destruction to several properties in the house. Mustapha’s hideout has since remained unknown with his family adamant to speak about his whereabouts. Attempts to get any further comments from the family and neighbors have so far proved unsuccessful. They fear that their comments may cause subsequent attacks on them. Mustapha’s wife and six kids have also fled from their home to escape any future harassment and threats on their lives.

Official complaints have been lodged at the La Police Station but no suspects have thus far been identified or arrested in connection to the incident. Neither have there been any formal reports from the authorities.

Such attacks on people suspected to be gay have become routine and authorities must take steps to stop these unnecessary happenings. Citizens must learn to allow the appropriate law enforcement institutions to carry out their mandate.