For safety reasons, a Ghanaian man, using the alias Ibrahim, has bravely recounted his traumatic experiences of enduring repeated assaults in his community due to his sexual orientation.
Identifying as Muslim, Ibrahim has faced multiple targeted attacks in his neighborhood over the years.
These assaults have escalated this year following the passage of anti-LGBTQ+ laws by Ghana’s parliament.
During the heightened discussions surrounding the bill, known as the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values, Ibrahim was attacked, with another assault occurring shortly after the bill’s approval in February.
The first incident occurred on January 22nd near the Sen Cinema Mosque at Alajo North in Accra, around 5 pm.
Four months later, on April 12, 2024, during the 3music Sallafest Concert at Alajo T Junction, Accra, Ibrahim faced another violent attack.
In both instances, Ibrahim asserts that the assaults were motivated by his sexual orientation, a facet of his identity that had been largely undisclosed within his community until recently.
Living in constant fear of further attacks, Ibrahim has resorted to secluding himself indoors for safety.
He laments the absence of a support network within his community, with only a few understanding individuals residing outside its confines.
However, fear of reprisal prevents him from seeking solace or companionship beyond his immediate surroundings.
In an exclusive interview, Ibrahim expressed his profound sense of isolation and the psychological toll inflicted by the persistent threat of violence.
He is forced to navigate his daily life under the shadow of fear, unable to freely engage with the world around him for fear of grave physical harm.
