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Tension is mounting in Abrem in the Kwabre East Municipality of the Ashanti Region after a group of residents attacked the family house of Inusah Ali over claims that he had relocated to the area following his alleged involvement in a same-sex incident in Bongo over a decade ago.
According to residents, rumours began circulating that Ali—who was previously assaulted in Bongo in the Upper East Region—had resurfaced in Abrem to continue his normal activities.
The speculation triggered anger among some youth, who on Monday, November 23, 2024, stormed his family residence in search of him.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that the group conducted a frantic search for Ali, whom they described as their “biggest enemy,” but failed to find him after several hours.
The agitated youth reportedly attempted to vandalise the property, but were prevented by the timely intervention of other community members.
A family member, Innusah Adongo Ali, speaking to journalists after the incident, said the situation has left the household traumatised.
“We are living in fear and panic because we don’t know what will happen next,” he stated. “Apart from the threats, we are facing serious stigma over allegations we cannot even confirm.”
He further lamented the social pressure on the family, noting, “People are treating us differently because of what they believe about our relative. In this community, such issues are seen as taboo, and it is affecting all of us.”
The whereabouts of Inusah Ali remain unknown, further deepening anxiety among family members who fear possible renewed attacks.
The development is linked to a 2014 incident in Bongo, where two men were brutally assaulted by a group of youth over an alleged same-sex encounter in an uncompleted building.
One of the victims, identified as Inusah Ali, suffered severe injuries, including the loss of two teeth, before reportedly going into hiding.
At the time, tensions escalated dramatically, with some residents threatening further violence. “If he dares come back here, we will burn his house,” an agitated resident was quoted as saying. Subsequently, parts of Ali’s family home were set ablaze, intensifying unrest in the community.
While many residents have historically expressed strong opposition to same-sex relationships—citing cultural and religious beliefs—observers continue to warn against mob justice and vigilante actions. They stress that no allegation justifies violence, urging communities to allow law enforcement agencies to handle such matters.
The latest incident in Abrem has renewed concerns over the safety of individuals accused of socially sensitive offences, with calls for authorities to step in to maintain peace and protect vulnerable families.
Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com
