Ghanaian Bisexual Man Seeks Asylum in Canada Over Alleged Persecution
A 26-year-old Ghanaian man, Kenneth Appiah, has sought refugee protection in Canada, citing what he describes as severe persecution and threats to his life in Ghana due to his sexual orientation.
Kenneth Appiah, born on October 10, 1999, in Accra, says he is a bisexual man who previously resided in Obuasi in the Ashanti Region before fleeing the country. According to him, his decision to leave Ghana followed a series of violent attacks allegedly carried out by unidentified armed men who accused him of promoting LGBTQI+ practices.
Narrating his ordeal, Kenneth explained that in January 2020, he entered into a romantic relationship with a man identified as Michael Sowah. The two reportedly kept their relationship secret due to widespread societal disapproval of LGBTQI+ persons in Ghana.
He alleged that on July 16, 2023, in the early hours of the morning, four armed men broke into his home in Obuasi and forcibly took him away. He claims he was violently assaulted, kicked and punched repeatedly, and struck on the head with a piece of wood. According to him, the attackers threatened to kill him because of his sexual orientation and accused him of influencing young boys in the community.
Kenneth stated that after the attackers left him injured on the ground and drove away, he reported the incident to the Obuasi Police Station. However, he claims the police asked him to write his statement in a book and advised him to identify the perpetrators himself before any arrests could be made. He was issued medical forms to seek treatment at a hospital, which he did before returning home.
He further alleged that on September 15, 2023, the same group of armed men attacked him again at midnight. He said the attackers, who were armed with guns and cutlasses, severely beat him and attempted to abduct him. According to him, they fled after neighbours responded to his cries for help. He was subsequently treated at the Obuasi Hospital and reported the matter again to the police, but no arrests were made.
Following the alleged incidents, Kenneth said he relocated to Accra, where he stayed with his cousin, Samuel Boateng, and lived in hiding. He claimed he limited his movements and only left the house on three occasions — to complete biometric registration at a Canadian Visa Application Centre, to submit his passport after visa approval, and to collect it upon issuance.
On October 2, 2023, he was introduced to a travel agent, Kingsford Wiafe, to assist with his travel arrangements. Although his Canadian visa was issued on January 24, 2024, he said he was unable to travel immediately due to financial constraints and eventually departed Ghana for Canada on April 10, 2024, aboard KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.
Kenneth maintains that he fears for his life if he returns to Ghana. He alleges that since his departure, his house has been searched on three occasions by unknown persons believed to be his attackers, with the last reported incident occurring on April 25, 2024. He also claims his cousin and uncle informed him that the men vowed to beat him to death if found
Ghana’s Position on LGBTQI+ Issues
Ghana’s laws currently criminalise same-sex sexual conduct under Section 104 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), which prohibits “unnatural carnal knowledge.” Although prosecutions under this provision are relatively rare, LGBTQI+ persons have often reported stigma, discrimination, and occasional violence.
In recent years, the debate surrounding LGBTQI+ rights has intensified, particularly following the introduction of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill in Parliament. The bill, which has received significant public attention, proposes stricter penalties for same-sex relationships and for the promotion, advocacy, or funding of LGBTQI+ activities.
The proposed legislation has sparked both local and international reactions. Supporters argue that it seeks to protect Ghanaian cultural and family values, while critics contend that it could increase stigma and expose LGBTQI+ individuals to greater risk.
The Government of Ghana has maintained that while it upholds constitutional freedoms, it also respects the cultural and moral sentiments of the majority of Ghanaians. The issue remains a subject of national debate, with Parliament continuing deliberations on the matter.
As Kenneth Appiah awaits the outcome of his asylum claim in Canada, his case adds to the growing number of Ghanaian nationals seeking refuge abroad on grounds of alleged persecution linked to sexual orientation.
