The scams
Homosexual behaviour is illegal in Ghana which allows criminals to use the law as a 'blackmailers charter'. Male homosexual activity is categorised under the old British colonial law instituted in the 19th Century:
Criminal Code 1960- Chapter 6, Sexual Offences Article 105:
Whoever is guilty of unnatural carnal knowledge- (a) of any person without his consent, is guilty of first degree felony;
(b) of any person with his consent, or of any animal, is guilty of a misdemeanour.
Like much of Africa, Ghana's version of religion is fundamentalist. Homosexuality as seen as a sin and that it can be 'caused' by possession of evil spirits. In this climate, rational discussion is impossible.
A recent hoax about about Ghana hosting an international conference of lesbian and gays created mass hysteria in the press and the population. Even the government were fooled and banned the fictional event.
Even so, the law is not often used to imprison people and because homosexuality is not often on people's minds, MSM's can move about fairly freely unless it is made public. It is normal in Ghana for men to hold hands, walk with arms around each other, sit on each others laps and dance together.
Never ask someone to contact you through a friend's phone. There have been several reports of people being scammed by the person's friend. You can be held responsible.
If someone asks you to contact them through some one else's phone you should take care.
Some people claim that their photos and name are being illegally used by scammers. Always ask to see the person on cam to check they are the same person in the photos. Of course, just because they faces match doesn't not necessarily mean the person won't scam you.
So now the scammers are getting wise and won't tell you these locations. So, instead of Achimota they might say Dome, instead of Tema they might say Pram Pram. These are nearby locations. So if you are not familiar with the geography of Accra you will not be aware. Caution must be taken and you can always try a Google search for the location and see if there is any information on it.
If you look at the online dating sites, you will notice that many of the guys from Ghana claim to be as young as 18. Many of these people are not actually gay. The ones that are, may not be genuinely looking for what they claim. The pictures are often fake and their profiles may well be copied from other peoples.
The usual scam is to tell you a sad story and ask you to send money. For example, they may say they are orphans, could not finish their education or need money for hospital bills. These stories are usually not true. Ask yourself how these guys are able to pay to use the internet 24 hours a day.
The most dangerous scam is to persuade you to meet them. This can result in you being arrested, kidnapped and beaten up in an attempt to extort money from you.
If you are a foreigner, another scam would be a request for marriage in your country. It is very difficult to get visa's for Ghanaians, particularly the ones you meet on the internet who are young, unemployed and uneducated. Due to the economic situation, they are desperate to leave Ghana. We have heard stories of people who succeeded in getting their Ghanaian boyfriend to their country only to have them leave them for a woman.
The usual scam is to tell you a sad story and ask you to send money. For example, they may say they are orphans, could not finish their education or need money for hospital bills. These stories are usually not true. Ask yourself how these guys are able to pay to use the internet 24 hours a day.
The most dangerous scam is to persuade you to meet them. This can result in you being arrested, kidnapped and beaten up in an attempt to extort money from you.
If you are a foreigner, another scam would be a request for marriage in your country. It is very difficult to get visa's for Ghanaians, particularly the ones you meet on the internet who are young, unemployed and uneducated. Due to the economic situation, they are desperate to leave Ghana. We have heard stories of people who succeeded in getting their Ghanaian boyfriend to their country only to have them leave them for a woman.
Homosexuality in Ghana: The Legal and Cultural Situation
Criminal Code 1960- Chapter 6, Sexual Offences Article 105:
Whoever is guilty of unnatural carnal knowledge- (a) of any person without his consent, is guilty of first degree felony;
(b) of any person with his consent, or of any animal, is guilty of a misdemeanour.
Like much of Africa, Ghana's version of religion is fundamentalist. Homosexuality as seen as a sin and that it can be 'caused' by possession of evil spirits. In this climate, rational discussion is impossible.
A recent hoax about about Ghana hosting an international conference of lesbian and gays created mass hysteria in the press and the population. Even the government were fooled and banned the fictional event.
Even so, the law is not often used to imprison people and because homosexuality is not often on people's minds, MSM's can move about fairly freely unless it is made public. It is normal in Ghana for men to hold hands, walk with arms around each other, sit on each others laps and dance together.
Identity Theft
If you do not take care people can use your pictures, ID or name in order to scam others.
Never ask someone to contact you through a friend's phone. There have been several reports of people being scammed by the person's friend. You can be held responsible.
If someone asks you to contact them through some one else's phone you should take care.
Some people claim that their photos and name are being illegally used by scammers. Always ask to see the person on cam to check they are the same person in the photos. Of course, just because they faces match doesn't not necessarily mean the person won't scam you.
Travellers tips
It is advisable NOT to come to Ghana just to meet someone you met online. However, if you are travelling here and wish to meet someone then read the following advice.
- If you are travelling to Ghana never let anyone know the date you are arriving and your flight information. Do not allow them to meet you at the airport - you might find they arrive with the police to arrest you.
- If you bring them to your hotel or house you may find they will return with the police. The hotel may also alert the police.
- Do not go to the guy's house. They may have their gang waiting to beat you up. It is better to meet them in a public place although we have several reports of people being kidnapped in full view of the public, including on Labadi Beach.
- If you have sex, keep track of the used condoms - they can be used as evidence against you.
- Stay away from people who live in Tema, Christian Village, West Legon, West Land, Achimota and Nima. These are places known for criminal activity.
- Never send money. It only encourages them! Don't allow them to book your hotel, organise visas, etc. You may find you never see them or your money again.
Further Info for non-Ghanaians
Many more people are becoming aware about the locations where the scammers tend to live. These are small communities where people have shared information about scamming and have seen some lucky people benefit from it.So now the scammers are getting wise and won't tell you these locations. So, instead of Achimota they might say Dome, instead of Tema they might say Pram Pram. These are nearby locations. So if you are not familiar with the geography of Accra you will not be aware. Caution must be taken and you can always try a Google search for the location and see if there is any information on it.
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