I do not know if this will lead to anything. And I may not be the best person to advocate for this, but it is the best I can do as an immigrant who still cares about what is going on back home --- especially during pride month. 

This petition seeks to instigate legislative change in Ghana, championing a bill that recognizes the rape of men as a crime. It's time to challenge and dismantle these extremely outdated constructs that leave many victims unheard and unprotected.

On June 9, 2021, I experienced one of the most traumatic moments of my life – I was sexually assaulted twice by a man. The second time it was rape. However, in Ghana, the law does not recognise rape when it comes to men, and according to the statistics presented by the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ghana Police Service, sexual violence against men is a significantly underreported . This fundamental oversight in our legal framework not only denies justice to countless other individuals but reinforces the unhealthy narratives deeply rooted in sexism and homophobia. Even after I came to terms with my assault years later, I never filed a police report because carnal same-sex sex activity is criminalised in Ghana under that statute found in the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).

The current legal stance effectively erases the experiences of male survivors, leaving them with little legal recourse or support. According to a 2015 study by Thompson Reuters Foundation, seven countries, including Ghana, have laws that do not address male rape. In a society where all individuals are meant to be protected equally under the law, this is not just an injustice; it is an aberration that demands immediate attention and correction.

International practices have shown progress. New York City, for example, amended its law in 2022 under the Victims of Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Law, granting claimants [regardless of gender] more time to seek justice. Such progressive amendments have empowered victims globally to come forward and pursue the justice they deserve. Why should Ghana be left behind?

We urge the Ghanaian government to amend the law, ensuring that all individuals, irrespective of gender, are equally protected against the heinous crime of rape. With your support, we can push for a bill that acknowledges the realities of all survivors and provides them the justice they need.
For too long, the silence has been deafening. Stand with me and many others who believe in equality and justice for all. Please sign this petition and be a part of change.