Two men brutalised in Bongo over alleged same-sex encounter; tensions grip community

Two men were severely beaten by a group of angry youth Bongo in the Upper East Region after they were allegedly caught engaging in a same-sex act in an uncompleted building.

According to eyewitness accounts, the incident which happened on Wednesday September 25, 2014 sparked outrage among residents, leading to a violent assault that left one of the victims, identified as Inusah Ali, with serious injuries, including the loss of two teeth. His current whereabouts remain unknown.

The situation quickly escalated, with some youth threatening further violence. “If he dares come back here, we will burn his house,” one agitated resident was reported to have said.

Reports indicate that Ali’s family home was subsequently set ablaze by the irate group, deepening tensions within the community.

Several residents who spoke to journalists openly condemned the alleged act, expressing fear that it could bring misfortune upon the town. One resident, Fuseini Abanga, was quoted as saying, “This kind of behaviour will bring the wrath of the spirits upon our community. We cannot accept it.”

In Ghana, same-sex relationships remain a deeply contentious issue, with many people holding strong cultural and religious beliefs against the practice. A significant section of the population considers it morally unacceptable, often describing it as contrary to tradition and societal values.

However, despite these widespread sentiments, observers and human rights advocates continue to stress that no individual deserves to be subjected to violence or mob justice. They emphasize the need for lawful handling of such matters and urge communities to prioritize peace, tolerance, and respect for human life.

Traditional authorities in the area have since intervened to calm tensions. Chiefs reportedly performed pacification rites involving the sacrifice of a sheep in an effort to restore peace and avert further unrest.

The incident has raised concerns about mob justice and the safety of individuals accused of socially sensitive offences, with calls for law enforcement agencies to ensure order and protect lives and property.