Zongo leadership in Nima, Kumasi, has issued a stern warning, threatening to physically assault gays and male crossdressers if they continue dancing and entertaining at Zongo wedding ceremonies in Nima, Sawaba, and surrounding areas in Kumasi, Ashanti Region, Ghana.
During a press conference this week, Sarki Sawaba, the community leader, declared that such behaviors are against Islamic principles and vowed to use violence against individuals found participating in future Zongo wedding.
He urged women in Zongo communities to stop inviting male crossdressers to these events, warning that their presence would lead to disruptions and destruction of the ceremonies.
The leadership also instructed DJs at these weddings to halt music whenever male crossdressers are seen dancing, threatening severe consequences for non-compliance.
“Only women should be allowed to dance at the wedding ceremonies. No men should be allowed to dance there, or else we will stop the program,” Sarki stated.
Additionally, the leaders encouraged other Zongo communities to adopt similar measures and issued a chilling warning that individuals identified as gay would face harsh repercussions.
In Ghana, Zongo communities, historically migrant settlements of Northern Ghanaians and Sahelian traders, have grown into vibrant cultural and commercial hubs. The term “zongo” derives from the Hausa word “zango,” meaning a resting place for trading caravans.
This alarming threat of violence and exclusion from cultural and religious events is deeply concerning and warrants strong condemnation.
Rightify Ghana 