By Muyid Deen Suleman
Kumasi, September 24, 2024 – A 29-year-old mother of four has been shunned from the Sabon Zongo community in Kumasi for engaging in acts of bisexuality.
The woman, a homemaker known only as Samiratu Ismail, was suspected and captured by certain members of the community and handed over to the community leadership for resolution.
According to an eyewitness, Mr. Shaibu Issah, he resided in the same residence as the suspect and noticed that whenever her husband was away at work, she would clandestinely invite her female companion, identified as Laila Mohammed.
Recounting the events, he revealed that he had been observing her (Samiratu Ismail) for a considerable period and had sought to ascertain why she consistently entertained a particular female visitor immediately after her husband’s departure for work.
He narrated that on September 1, 2024, at approximately 11:00 am, when the female companion visited, out of curiosity, he discreetly peered through the windows.
To his astonishment, he witnessed the two companions (Laila and Samiratu) intimately engaging in the bedroom.
In a state of dismay, he exclaimed “harram harram,”signifying prohibition, he emphasized.
Subsequently, she was summoned a week later before the community Imams, who cautioned and urged her to refrain from such behavior as all religious institutions in Ghana condemn bisexuality, lesbianism, and homosexuality.
Disregarding this advice, she persisted in her actions, triggering the wrath of the local youth once more.
According to the witness, on September 10, 2024, she was pursued out of her partner’s residence by a group of unruly young individuals from Abirem, a suburb of Kumasi.
The witness recounted being present in the house on that fateful day when Samiratu hastily sought refuge, visibly perspiring and distraught, she swiftly gathered her children and a few essentials before fleeing the scene.
Approximately twenty minutes later, a band of about ten youths, armed with wooden clubs, forcefully breached her dwelling, causing extensive damage to her property valued at millions of cedis.
Overwhelmed by fear, ostracism, and distress, she sought refuge with her father’s acquaintance in Accra.
Prior to this, she had successfully obtained a visa to Canada, where she is currently seeking asylum.
Her husband, Mr. Mohammed Mahmud, who is a successful businessman and a renowned philanthropist has chosen to remain silent and has since relocated with two of their four children to a different community to escape the social stigma and repercussions.