Angry youth nearly lynched 36-year-old business man and his male partner over gay activities

Ghana’s parliament enacted a very controversial bill introducing strict restrictions on LGBTQ rights, a decision that has sparked strong criticism from human rights groups and international observers. The legislation, strongly supported by a group of religious and traditional leaders, received widespread backing from lawmakers and was officially approved. While President Akufo-Addo has shown hesitation about signing the bill into law, his clear statement that LGBTQ practices will not be accepted under his leadership has encouraged its supporters.

A troubling incident in the Bono Region’s Kotokrom suburb of Sunyani highlights the deep social divisions caused by this issue. Emmanuel Matteer, a 36-year-old businessman known as Mathy, and his male companion Peter Sarfo also known as Area Boy —suspected of being in a same-sex relationship—nearly faced a violent attack by an angry group of local youths. The incident occurred on 21st September 2024, after the two were found partially undressed in a room.

The youths dragged the men out from the room and beat them severely. They were forced to sit in the hot sun, confess their “sins,” and endure further beatings with sticks, belts, and iron rods. An eyewitness reported that the two were allegedly found in an intimate embrace, with signs suggesting they were about to engage in sexual activity. Another source, who asked to remain anonymous, shared that Mathy, a married man who had moved to the area with his wife, had often been seen with a male companion under suspicious circumstances. This led local youths to secretly monitor his activities, which eventually resulted in catching them romantic way.

During the attack, Mathy managed to escape, leaving his partner behind. The youths then began searching for him, promising to “teach him another lesson” if caught. One of the youths was heard saying, “No trumutrumu (gay) will escape punishment if found and we will kill them all” showing the group’s anger and determination to stop LGBTQ activities in the community.

This incident has sparked a heated debate about the anti-LGBTQ bill and the broader societal attitudes toward sexual orientation and gender identity in Ghana. Critics argue that the law, along with the accompanying vigilante actions, could create an environment of fear, discrimination, and violence against LGBTQ individuals. Supporters, however, believe the bill aligns with the country’s cultural and religious values. The ongoing tension reflects the struggle between human rights, tradition, and governance in Ghana.

In a related development on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, the chiefs and residents of Sefwi Asawinso in the Western North Region began searching for two suspected gay men who fled the area. This followed an incident where local youths, acting on a tip, claimed to have caught the suspects engaging in “unnatural acts.” The youths captured the men and handed them over to the Sefwi Asawinso police. The operation took place on Monday, February 5, 2024.

According to reports, the informant said four men were involved, but two escaped when the youths broke into the room. One of the suspects is a well-known fashion designer in the area, while his alleged partner is from Nyinahini, near Bibiani. The chief linguist of Sefwi Asawinso, Nana Kyeame Gyasi, and the Abusuapanin, Nana Kofi Nkrumah, called the act a serious offense and stressed the need for community cleansing. They said the suspects and their landlord were called for traditional rituals, but only the landlord showed up, claiming one suspect had left the area. The leaders insisted on performing the necessary cleansing ceremonies.

LGBTQ activities remain a highly sensitive issue in Ghana, where many view them as wrong and against the country’s cultural and traditional values.