Personal Statement of William A. Asare
My name is William A. Asare, a Ghanaian national currently residing in the Netherlands. I respectfully submit this statement in support of my application for international protection.
The contents of this statement are true to the best of my knowledge and are based on my personal experiences and the fear I have of returning to Ghana.
I am seeking asylum because I genuinely fear for my life if I am forced to return to Ghana. My fear arises from my perceived sexual orientation and my previous same-sex relationship, which has resulted in repeated death threats and intimidation from the family of my former partner.
While in Ghana, I was involved in a relationship with another man. When members of his family became aware of our relationship, they reacted with intense hostility.
They blamed me for influencing their son and held me responsible for what they believed was the destruction of his future and reputation. Their anger quickly escalated into serious threats against my life.
One of the most disturbing messages I received came from my former partner’s father. In the message, he warned me that if I ever returned to Ghana, especially through Kotoka International Airport or anywhere else in the country, I would be killed.
He claimed that he had shared my personal information with people who would shoot me on sight and stated repeatedly that he would personally ensure that I was killed if we ever met in Ghana.
He also accused me of causing his son to stop attending school for several years and alleged that his son had suffered rejection from family members, bullying and emotional trauma. He blamed me entirely for these circumstances and repeatedly declared that he would kill me if I returned to Ghana.
In addition to the physical threats, he stated that he had consulted traditional village gods to bring harm upon me should I return. Whether or not these statements could be carried out, they significantly increased my fear because of the seriousness with which such beliefs are held in parts of Ghana. Combined with the explicit death threats, these messages convinced me that returning home would place my life in immediate danger.
The threats have caused me severe emotional distress and constant anxiety. I now live with the fear that individuals connected to my former partner’s family could recognise or locate me if I return to Ghana.
Because attitudes towards same-sex relationships remain deeply hostile in many parts of Ghana, I do not believe I would be able to obtain effective protection or live safely.
Returning to Ghana would expose me to a real risk of violence, persecution and possibly death.
I believe that my previous relationship and the threats made against me make me particularly vulnerable.
I fear that the people who threatened me remain determined to carry out their threats.
For these reasons, I respectfully ask the authorities to consider my application for asylum and to grant me international protection.
I wish only to live in safety, free from fear, intimidation and violence. I am prepared to cooperate fully with the asylum process and provide any additional information or evidence that may assist in the assessment of my claim.
I declare that this statement is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief.
William A. Asare
The Village Voodoo, they threatened to use to kill Mr. Asare
The Police Report
