Ghanaian Man Flees to Canada to Escape Persecution Over Homosexuality
A Ghanaian man in his late 30s has fled his home country and is now seeking asylum in Canada, citing years of persecution, harassment, and physical abuse due to his bisexual identity.
Ernest Adenyo, originally from Kadjebi-Akan in Ghana’s Oti Region, says his life was marked by fear and secrecy in a country where same-sex relationships are widely condemned. Ghana’s strong religious and cultural beliefs regard LGBTQ+ identities as immoral, leaving little room for open expression.
According to close sources, Adenyo struggled with his identity throughout his youth, having been raised in a community where same-sex attraction was taught to be shameful. It wasn’t until 2019—after forming friendships with LGBTQ+ activists—that he began to fully embrace his bisexual identity.
Shortly thereafter, Adenyo became an active member and later a leader of the Dzigbordi Fun Club, a discreet LGBTQ+ support group that met weekly at the Makavo Hotel in Aflao. The group’s mission was to raise awareness and offer solidarity to others facing similar struggles.
However, his activism came at a price. Adenyo was repeatedly reported to local chiefs and summoned to traditional palaces, where he was publicly warned and fined. Still, he remained undeterred, traveling across towns to promote LGBTQ+ advocacy.
His situation worsened on May 20, 2021, when he was arrested along with 21 others during a human rights training workshop in Ho, aimed at teaching LGBTQ+ activists how to document abuses. Adenyo says he was held in detention for 22 days, where he suffered physical abuse at the hands of police. Though the charges of unlawful assembly were eventually dismissed for lack of evidence, the incident left a lasting impact.
After his release, Adenyo faced social isolation, rejection from his family, and condemnation from elders in his community. Seeking safety, he moved to Kumasi but soon experienced similar hostility. On February 2, 2022, he and fellow activist Sampson Yeboah were violently attacked by community members in the Kronum area. The pair reported the incident to police and received treatment for their injuries at a nearby clinic.
Determined to find safety, Adenyo began seeking help from international allies. With the support of journalist and LGBTQ+ advocate Afum David, he obtained a Canadian visa. LGBTQ+ support organizations, including members of the Dzigbordi Fun Club and diaspora networks, raised funds to help finance his departure.
He arrived in Canada on October 26, 2024.
Now applying for asylum under Canada’s Refugee Protection Act, Adenyo cites worsening conditions for LGBTQ+ people in Ghana, including the recent passage of a highly controversial anti-LGBTQ+ bill by Parliament. Although the bill is awaiting presidential assent, it seeks to criminalize LGBTQ+ identities, advocacy, and activities.
Advocates say returning to Ghana would place Adenyo in immediate danger.
“Canada offers a level of freedom and protection that simply doesn’t exist in Ghana for people like him,” said one LGBTQ+ supporter familiar with his case. “He’s not looking for comfort. He’s looking for survival.”
His claim is currently under review by the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada.
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