In a shocking incident that unfolded on August 3rd, 2021, Musyn Abass, a gay individual residing in the conservative Mamobi Muslim community, became the target of a violent attack along with his partner, Razak Basharu. The couple was assaulted while engaged in an intimate act within the confines of their room. Members of a group known as “The Safety Empire Youth” forcibly entered their residence, discovering them in a vulnerable state and subsequently dragging them out.
The assailants unleashed a barrage of physical violence upon Abass and Basharu, employing belts, sticks, broken glasses, cutlasses, and various other weapons. Overwhelmed by the brutality of the attack, Abass recalls women from neighboring houses pleading for their lives. In a twist of fate, Abass managed to escape, albeit with severe injuries including bleeding from the mouth, nose, and body. His partner, unfortunately, was not as fortunate and fell victim to the mob’s aggression.
Seeking refuge and safety, Abass sought shelter in Santo, a town in Accra. He found solace at the residence of a family friend, Rukaya Adams, who, concerned for his well-being, urged him to seek medical attention. However, fearing for his life and the widespread awareness of his situation, Abass hesitated, reluctant to venture outside. News of his involvement in a same-sex relationship had spread rapidly, with reports indicating that “The Safety Empire Youth” actively sought his capture.
During a conversation with his mother the following day, Abass disclosed the harrowing details of the attack. Concerned for his safety, his family arranged for his brother, Sadat Larry Yussif, to visit him at his undisclosed location. Yussif delivered the devastating news of Basharu’s demise and informed Abass of the relentless pursuit by “The Safety Empire Youth.” The group had reportedly threatened his family, leaving messages demanding Abass’s execution for his engagement in same-sex practices.
Tragically, Abass’s father, an Islamic teacher, had given his consent to the group, allowing them to track down and eliminate his own son. Motivated by the fear of tarnishing his reputation within the community, the father exhibited deep-rooted disapproval of Abass’s sexual orientation. It is evident that the LGBTQ+ community faces widespread discrimination and violence in this region, making Abass’s life increasingly perilous and uncertain.
Abass’s current predicament highlights the urgent need for the protection and recognition of LGBTQ+ rights within the country. The hostile environment propagated by societal attitudes, coupled with the perceived condemnation by both law enforcement and the government, further jeopardizes the safety and well-being of individuals belonging to the LGBTQ+ community.
As Abass continues to live in constant fear, his story serves as a distressing reminder of the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals within societies where acceptance and understanding remain limited.
Image credit: United Methodist Insight – https://um-insight.net/in-the-church/umc-global-nature/ghana-considers-a-new-law-punishing-same-sex-relations-and-l/
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