Accra, Ghana – May 11, 2023 – Yussif Issah, a young Ghanaian man, has been declared wanted “dead or alive” by his family and community members in Teshie, Abeka, and surrounding areas, where he spent much of his childhood, due to his sexual orientation. Issah, labeled as homosexual, fled life-threatening persecution after his community and family branded him a “threat to societal morals,” according to local sources.
Community outrage erupted after Issah escaped through a forest to evade imminent danger, prompting a fervent search for him across the region. Residents and family members have vowed to find him, with some describing his death as a “jihad cause.” The intense hostility has made it impossible for Issah to return to Ghana, where same-sex relationships remain criminalized under colonial-era laws, and the legal system offers no protection for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Despite his ordeal, those who knew Issah describe him as compassionate and respectful, qualities that stood out even amidst his hardship. With the help of sympathetic individuals, Issah fled to Brazil, identified as a safer haven for his survival. However, the ongoing death threats and lack of legal recourse in Ghana continue to jeopardize his safety.
Homosexuality remains a deeply divisive issue in Ghana, where societal stigma and cultural norms often fuel violence and discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals. Issah’s case highlights the growing hostility faced by those targeted for their sexual orientation, with community-led actions intensifying the dangers.
Advocates are now calling for international support to secure asylum for Issah, emphasizing that only a country with robust legal protections can offer him a chance to live without fear. His story has sparked renewed urgency to address the systemic persecution of marginalized groups in Ghana and beyond.
This publication has reached out to local authorities and community leaders in Teshie, Abeka, and neighboring areas for comment but has not yet received a response.
