Ghanaian-American artist Amaarae has entered the national conversation over Ghana’s anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, calling for unity and urging citizens to resist hate as the controversial bill moves toward presidential consideration.
In a strongly worded message posted to her Instagram Stories, the 31-year-old singer anchored her argument in Ghana’s tradition of communal living and the Pan-African vision of Kwame Nkrumah, suggesting the country risks straying from its founding values.
“Ghanaians, please, let’s remember who we are. We are not and have never been a hateful people. Family and community, irrespective of our differences as individuals, has been our strongest attribute till date,” she wrote.
Amaarae, who identifies as queer, also highlighted the long-standing relationship between LGBTQ+ communities and the creative industry, noting that many artists have benefited from that support system throughout their careers.
“So many divas (myself included) were borne from the support of queer communities and have used their platforms to actively uplift said communities,” she stated.
Shifting to national priorities, she argued that the debate over the bill is distracting from urgent structural challenges facing the country.
“We need better healthcare, better education, more jobs, better roads and transportation systems, to close the gaping class and wealth gaps,” she said.
She further insisted that the push behind the legislation is rooted in misinformation rather than the collective wellbeing of citizens.
“I don’t want to see my country or the lives of innocent people turned upside down due to propaganda and a baseless agenda that has nothing to do with the welfare of the country’s citizens as a whole.
“Violence and divisiveness is not the answer. Judgement is not the answer. Stripping innocent people of their rights is not the answer. Let’s be aware and choose to spread love NOT HATE,” she concluded.
The amended Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill was passed for a second time by Parliament of Ghana on Friday, May 29, 2026.
If signed into law, it would impose penalties of up to three years’ imprisonment for individuals engaged in same-sex relations, and between three and five years for those found promoting, sponsoring, or intentionally supporting LGBTQ-related activities.
While recent revisions reportedly include protections for lawyers, journalists, and medical professionals providing essential services, critics say the legislation continues to pose serious risks for LGBTQ Ghanaians.
🚨Amaarae stands proudly Queer as she calls for national unity and Human rights in powerful statement to Ghana,via her Instagram story.
— Viral Picks (@theeviralpicks) June 3, 2026
“It’s so unfortunate to witness basic human rights being threatened and contested because some people have chosen to love differently. It is… pic.twitter.com/9j4EAqAixj
