Elders vow no mercy as mob in Yeji beats alleged LGBTQ+ suspect

Traditional leaders in Yeji condemn same-sex relations as a suspect is violently attacked by a mob amid rising tensions

Tension gripped the township of Yeji on Sunday, June 15, 2025, when a man identified as Kwame Mensah was apprehended by a group of residents and subjected to brutal mob action over allegations of being involved in LGBTQ+ activities.

According to eyewitnesses, the incident unfolded in the early afternoon when some youth in the area claimed to have recognised Mensah from social media posts and prior rumours surrounding his sexual orientation.

He was reportedly accosted near the central market and dragged toward the community square, where a mob physically assaulted him before local security forces arrived to disperse the crowd and took Mensah into custody.

In a heated reaction following the incident, one of the elders of Yeji, speaking to a gathering of townsfolk, vowed that this time the community would not repeat what he described as a “costly mistake” made last year.

“In April last year, we caught Alex, the owner of Lifetime Palace Restaurant, and we let him slip through our hands. Not again. This time, we mean business,” the elder declared to loud cheers.

He added, “We are determined to cut off all traces of LGBTQ from our land. Kwame Mensah will serve as a lesson.”

The elder further issued a stern warning to Alex and others who have since left Ghana, suggesting that their departure from the country does not absolve them of blame.

“Being out of Ghana does not mean your sins are forgiven. The seeds you planted continue to grow, and for that, you will be held accountable. If any of you return, you will be dealt with,” he said.

This incident has drawn concern from human rights advocates who warn that such mob actions and public threats could further endanger lives and contravene Ghana’s obligations to uphold the rule of law and protect all citizens, regardless of identity.

Kwame Mensah was handed over to the police for further investigation.