Ghanaian Advocate Flees to Canada Fearing Violence over LGBTQ+ Advocacy

A Ghanaian advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, Doreen Adjei, has fled her home country due to escalating threats and attacks linked to her activism. Known for her outspoken stance against the criminalization of same-sex relationships, Doreen has become a target in a nation where public sentiment and legislative efforts largely oppose LGBTQ+ rights. Now in Canada, she is seeking asylum, hoping to find refuge from the dangers she faced in Ghana.

Speaking from her undisclosed location in a phone interview with GhanaNewsOnline, Doreen shared a harrowing account of her life, tracing her advocacy work to deeply personal experiences of abuse and societal rejection. Her story sheds light on the intersection of personal trauma, societal norms, and her fight for equality.

Early Life and Roots of Advocacy

Doreen’s journey into activism was shaped by her upbringing in a volatile household. “My father’s abuse of my mother left an indelible mark on me,” she recounted. “It made me question relationships and the societal expectations placed on women. Growing up, I witnessed pain and suffering in what was supposed to be a loving environment. It was this early exposure to injustice that motivated me to stand up for human rights.”

Her understanding of her own sexual orientation began during her time in boarding school. Vulnerable and out of place as a young student, Doreen found solace in the kindness of a senior student, Akua Agyeiwaa. While their bond was not romantic, it provided Doreen with a sense of safety that contrasted starkly with the exploitation she experienced from others.

As Doreen matured, her relationships with women deepened, marking pivotal moments in her personal and sexual identity. “My first significant relationship was with a classmate, Hamdiya Abubakari, in secondary school,” she said. “It was secretive, but it opened me to understanding bisexuality. When Hamdiya was expelled for unrelated reasons, I faced intense public humiliation simply for being associated with her.”

Struggles in Adulthood

The challenges Doreen faced in her youth followed her into adulthood. In 2010, she endured the trauma of sexual assault, resulting in a pregnancy at the age of 18. Despite the difficulties, Doreen persevered, continuing her education with the support of her mother. However, societal expectations continued to weigh heavily on her, compelling her to hide her true self.

“In our culture, there is immense pressure to marry and have children,” she explained. “I decided to have children not out of desire but to conceal my orientation and avoid discrimination.”

Doreen’s relationships with women remained central to her life, even as she navigated a society hostile to LGBTQ+ identities. Her relationship with a colleague, Efua Akyerea, became particularly challenging when it was exposed at their workplace. “We were caught on CCTV at the Office of the President Medical Center,” she revealed. “The consequences were severe, given Ghana’s legal and cultural climate.”

Rising Threats and Flight

The introduction of the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill in 2021 exacerbated the dangers faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in Ghana. Public figures and community members openly called for punishment of those who defied traditional norms. For Doreen, the threats became personal.

“My family disowned me,” she said. “Even my uncle, a prominent church member, warned me to conform or face consequences. These threats, combined with social isolation, made it impossible for me to stay in Ghana.”

Fearing for her life, Doreen initially sought refuge in the Ashanti Region, staying with her mother in a small village. With the help of an agent, she eventually secured a visa and fled to Canada in November 2024.

“I couldn’t claim asylum at the port of entry because I was scared they might deport me,” she admitted. “Once I settled in, I began the process to seek protection. I am running not just from physical violence but from a lifetime of emotional and psychological abuse. Returning to Ghana would mean living in constant fear and hiding who I am.”

Plea for Protection

Doreen’s plea to the Canadian government is a heartfelt appeal for safety and acceptance. “I want to live without fear, to embrace my true sexual identity,” she said. “Canada represents hope—a place where I can finally be myself.”

Her story is a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in regions where their existence is criminalized. It underscores the importance of advocacy, even in the face of adversity, and the urgent need for global solidarity in the fight for human rights.

As Doreen awaits a decision on her asylum claim, her courage serves as a testament to the resilience of those who dare to fight for equality, even when it comes at great personal cost.

Source: ghananewsonline.com.gh