The Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has clarified Ghana’s decision to abstain from a recent United Nations vote on LGBTQ+ rights, dismissing claims that the country has compromised its stance on homosexuality.
The explanation comes after widespread public criticism following Ghana’s abstention at the 59th session of the UN Human Rights Council on Monday, July 7, 2025. The vote sought to renew the mandate of the Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
In a statement, the Ministry stressed that the resolution was not about supporting or rejecting LGBTQ+ rights.
“The question before the Council was whether persons who identify as LGBTQI should be protected against violence and discrimination or not. It was not about the support for LGBTQI rights,” the statement clarified.
The Ministry explained that Ghana’s abstention was guided by the principles enshrined in Chapter 5, Article 17 of the 1992 Constitution, which prohibits discrimination based on gender, race, colour, ethnicity, religion, creed, or social and economic status.
In the final tally, 29 member states voted in favour, 15 opposed, and three—including Ghana—abstained.
Despite the constitutional justification, the government has come under fire from sections of the public and advocacy groups, who argue that the abstention undermines Ghana’s previously firm stance on LGBTQ+ matters.
The Ministry’s clarification aims to correct what it calls “misrepresentations” and assure citizens that Ghana remains committed to upholding its cultural and constitutional values.
Source: Adomonline.com
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