Ashaiman gay threatened, disowned by Muslim family

A 32-year-old man has been forced to flee his home for safety since February 16, 2017, after being disowned by his family because of his sexual orientation.

The whereabouts of Kamel Anas Bello, who is born into a conservative Muslim family in Ashaiman, a suburb of Greater Accra, is still unknown, a family member who pleaded anonymity has revealed.

The source said their son had been gay since he was 16, but the family found out about his activities not long ago.

According to the family member, Kamel has been “warned not to step foot into the family house” as his conduct was forbidden in Islam.

The father of the victim is a known spiritual leader and respected for his conservative beliefs.

This development has come at a time when Ghana’s Parliament is on the verge of passing a law to criminalize all activities related to homosexuality.

When contacted for comment, a brother of Bello, Habib, said the family had cut all ties with Kamel for the abominable practice.

He said that his brother had brought shame to the family and that “we would administer justice according to Islam.”

“I want the world to know that we disapprove of Kamel’s conduct. In our community, we detest homosexuality, and the punishment spelt out for Muslims who engage in it is death.”

When asked about what the Qur’an teaches about tolerance and forgiveness, Habib retorted: ” This has got nothing to do with tolerance and forgiveness. In fact, it had got everything to do with morality and Islam.”

By Malik Sullemana.