Why I Fled From Ghana To Settle In Germany- Angel Maxine Speaks
Angel Maxine, potentially Ghana’s first transgender woman, has shared in a documentary the reasons behind her decision to flee Ghana and establish herself in Germany.
As a musician, Maxine found it imperative to move to Germany as a result of the challenging circumstances faced by members of the LGBT+ community in Ghana.
She highlighted the necessity of leaving the country due to the obstacles encountered in carrying out her daily and professional endeavours.
Voicing apprehensions regarding the safety of LGBT+ individuals in Ghana, Maxine expressed optimism for a future where gay and transgender individuals can reside freely in the country.
“I had to leave Ghana so I could find a safe space where I could continue to do my work. Being an openly transgender woman in Ghana, it’s a warfare. I couldn’t even walk on the streets, I couldn’t join the public bus, I couldn’t go to certain places; I couldn’t perform at certain places.
As a musician, I had people who did not want to associate with me because I was a trans woman,” she said in a video shared via social media.
“I honestly feel bad for the future of LGBTQ rights in Ghana because as it stands now, we can see that everything going on is political propaganda. I don’t see why we should now have to run away from our country just to feel safe.
I hope that one day all these things will stop so that queer people can live their lives freely and be open, be happy and be able to also add positively to the society,” she said.
On February 28, 2024, the Parliament of Ghana officially approved the Promotion of Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill of 2021 during its third reading. This legislation introduces penalties, including imprisonment for up to three years, for individuals involved in same-sex activities.
Moreover, those found guilty of “willful promotion, sponsorship, or support of LGBTQ+ activities” may face imprisonment for up to five years. It is important to note that this bill contradicts the Ghanaian Constitution, which safeguards the rights of all individuals to equality, non-discrimination, freedom of expression, freedom of association, and privacy.
Additionally, it violates Ghana’s obligations under regional and international legal frameworks, such as the UN Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights Resolution on Protection against Violence and other Human Rights Violations against Persons based on their real or perceived Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity – ACHPR/Res.275 (LV) 2014.
Local voices have expressed concerns to the president, urging him not to sign the bill into law due to its inconsistency with Article 108 of the Constitution.
This article prohibits private members’ bills from imposing financial burdens on public funds. The Ministry of Finance of Ghana has estimated that if the bill is enacted, Ghana could potentially lose approximately US$3.8 billion in World Bank funding alone over the next five to six years.
