Is This the Culture Google Experts and GDG Communities Endorse? My Experience Standing Against Disrespect in Ghana's Tech Scene

For years, I've been a part of the Ghanaian tech community, passionate about growth, collaboration, and fostering a respectful environment for everyone. However, recent events have left me deeply concerned about the values upheld by some leaders and members within Google-affiliated spaces, specifically the GDG Kumasi group.

It began when a prominent figure in the Ghanaian tech scene, someone with connections to major companies and even leading initiatives around Women in Tech and DEI, posted deeply troubling and disrespectful comments online, filled with generalizations and denigrating remarks about women based on their appearance.

As someone who believes in equality and respect for all, I felt compelled to speak out against such harmful rhetoric. I engaged in the conversation, hoping to educate and encourage a more inclusive perspective.
Instead of a constructive dialogue, I was met with insults and dismissiveness. This individual, "ACE RBK," resorted to personal attacks. When I responded to this behavior, I was further targeted.

What was even more disheartening was the reaction within the Google GDG Kumasi group when I raised these concerns. Instead of support for calling out disrespectful behavior, I was met with hostility. As the screenshots clearly show, influential members - Mobile Dev Etornam and even administrators within the GDG Kumasi group chose to insult me directly. I was called names and accused of seeking attention for simply standing up against derogatory statements. One message, as seen in the screenshot from "Etornam Dev," reads "W'agyimi koraaa dodo," which translates to "You are very foolish." Another comment dismisses my concerns by saying, "He dey seek attention real bad. Make nobody mind am."

Furthermore, the screenshots reveal that I was subsequently removed from the GDG Kumasi group. The message clearly states, "You can't send messages to this group because you're no longer a member." This action sends a chilling message: that challenging disrespectful behavior, especially when it comes from established figures, will not be tolerated within this Google-affiliated community. We even see a deleted message, suggesting an attempt to control the narrative and silence dissenting voices.

The contrast is stark. Disrespectful and harmful comments targeting women were seemingly brushed aside, while my attempt to advocate for basic respect resulted in personal insults and expulsion from the community. This raises serious questions about the values and priorities within the GDG Kumasi group, especially when individuals who make such statements are seemingly protected and their behavior excused.
This isn't just about one isolated incident. It speaks to a potentially deeper issue within the community if leaders and influential members actively participate in silencing those who challenge disrespect and instead choose to belittle the victims of such behavior.

So, I ask openly: Is this the culture that Google experts and GDG communities in Ghana endorse? Is this how individuals who claim to champion inclusivity and diversity should behave and react when confronted with blatant disrespect? Is this the message we want to send to aspiring tech professionals in Ghana, especially women?

The silence and the actions taken against me speak volumes. It's time for a serious reflection on the values we uphold within our tech communities and the kind of environment we are fostering. Because if standing up for respect and inclusivity leads to being ostracized and insulted by community leaders, then something is fundamentally wrong.