The Centre for Democratic Movement (CDM) has criticised Ghana’s decision to abstain from voting on the renewal of the UN mandate for the Independent Expert on Protection Against Violence and Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (IE SOGI).
The vote was held during the 59th Session of the Human Rights Council (HRC59) in Geneva.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, July 15, CDM described Ghana’s abstention as a “dangerous dereliction of duty” and a “moral, cultural, and constitutional betrayal.”
The group expressed disappointment that Ghana “chose silence” at a time when the global stage, in their view, demanded “clarity and conviction.”
According to CDM, while the government may have framed the abstention as a neutral stance, it was “a calculated evasion of leadership.”
“This is not about protecting people from violence – a principle that no Ghanaian disputes,” the statement read. “It is about extending a mandate that consistently promotes legalising same-sex marriage, self-determined gender identity, and criminalising cultural definitions of family and sexuality.”
CDM argued that Ghana missed a critical opportunity to align with other African nations that voted against the mandate.
“It is a moment of shame for a country that once proudly declared its commitment to cultural integrity and family values,” the group added.
Source: Ernest Arhinful
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