In 2021, Ghana presented the Promotion of Appropriate Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly known as the anti-gay bill, to the Parliament.
The bill aimed to criminalize various aspects related to homosexuality, including promotion, advocacy, funding, and acts of homosexuality. It proposed harsh penalties, such as up to ten years in prison for LGBTQ+ advocates and three years for LGBT individuals.
The bill received widespread support from many Ghanaians, including religious bodies and various groups. However, opposition emerged from some individuals who argued that the bill violated citizens’ rights and was inhumane.
Several celebrities have been vocal in expressing their opposition to the bill. As the proposed legislation is still under consideration in Parliament, it is worth examining the stance of these celebrities who have publicly spoken out against the “anti-LGBT Bill.”
Singer Deborah Vanessa, popularly known as Sister Derby, has been a staunch critic of the bill and has constantly been engaged in banters on social media with proponents of the bill. Especially MP for Ningo-Prampram, Sam George.
“You are only doing this to score political points forgetting the harm you are causing queer folk. Tell us what else you will personally gain from passing this bill if not political points??? Shame on you!” she fired Sam George in a Twitter post.
Alternative musician Wanlov the Kubolor has also been vocal about his concerns about the bill. In an interview in 2023, he described the bill as “foreign” to African culture and argued that LGBT practises have been part of Ghanaian culture.
“We have always been queer here in Ghana. Like we have friends and family members and we know it. So why do you want to see them in jail? And why do we want to see ourselves in jail? Because part of the bill says if you don’t report a queer person that you are living with, you are equally guilty,” he argued.
3. Leila Dzansi
US-based Ghanaian filmmaker Leila Dzansi has also expressed her support for individuals in the LGBT community in light of the bill.
In a 2021 post, Leila Dzansi, in a Facebook post, said she would stand up for the “oppressed” and would not remain mute if individuals were being brutalised for being themselves.
“Monday morning and somewhere in Ghana, land of my parents, school kids are singing:
God bless our homeland Ghana
And make our nation great and strong
BOLD to defend forever
The cause of Freedom and of Right.
Fill our hearts with true humility
Make us cherish fearless honesty,
And help us to resist oppressors’ rule
With all our will and might evermore.
Here’s to constantly using my voice and platform to defend and speak up for the oppressed. Bring on the name-calling. I am made of strong stuff! No one will be killed, maimed, beaten or oppressed on my watch. When you choose to fight for what’s right and for the oppressed, people will call you names, brand you, abuse you… heck, they killed Jesus.
They killed MLK, they distabilized Kwame Nkrumah, they imprisoned Nelson Mandela. But still, they thrived and today, we all reap the fruits of their sacrifice. Don’t sit on the sidelines if you can swing a sword on the battlefield. #onward!” she posted,
4. Kobi Rana
Film-maker Kobi Rana had also aired his stance on the anti-LGBT bill. In a 2021 post amidst the heat of the bill being put before Parliament, Kobi Rana sarcastically inquired if the bill being passed would automatically solve all other pressing issues Ghanaians faced in the country.
He lambasted politicians for praying against LGBT practices and accused them of attempting to drive attention away from other pressing needs in the country.
“Here are Ghana leaders praying today. They are praying against LGBT and planning to criminalize. I am sure that will stop police and military from killing citizens, get jobs for unemployed youth and solve the unbearable cost of living. Not forgetting their own corruption. Thieves praying against sex. How will somebody’s vagina, penis and asshole fix your country? YOU WILL DO ANYTHING TO SHIFT ATTENTION FROM THE PROBLEMS AND FAILURES YOU MUST FIX. The world must be rolling on the floor with laughter,” he posted.
5. Angel Maxine
Since the bill’s introduction, well-known transgender Ghanaian influencer Angel Maxine has been transparent about her position.
However, a significant development occurred when Angel Maxine issued a threat to disclose the names of influential Ghanaian politicians and others involved in LGBT activities in December 2023.
“Pass the bill and I will show you your MPs who are LGBTQ persons. You think I have not seen gay politicians? All the MPs who have been texting people to get them boys to sleep with. All of the politicians who have been begging pimps to hook them up with boys. All your chats and conversations are here (points to a pile of documents). Pass the bill and I will expose your family members and children who are gay. All those queer celebrities, also cannot speak for themselves,” she fumed.
Reactions to the threats made on the celebrity’s Instagram page were divided; some accused Angel Maxine of lying and blackmailing them, while others dared her to reveal the list.