Writer: KPABITEY PRINCE source ActiveNewsgh
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has moved to set the record straight following widespread media reports on Ghana’s stance during a recent vote at the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC59) regarding LGBTQI issues.
On Monday, July 7, 2025, Ghana abstained from voting on the renewal of the mandate for the UN’s Independent Expert on Protection Against Violence and Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI). Contrary to claims in some media reports, the Ministry emphasized that Ghana did not vote against or in support of LGBTQI rights — the vote was specifically on whether the mandate should continue, not on the endorsement of LGBTQI.
There was no vote on the support of LGBTQI for which Ghana abstained as has been wrongly reported by a section of the Ghanaian media,” the Ministry stated.
The Ministry further explained that the question before the Council was whether individuals who identify as LGBTQI should continue to receive protection against violence and discrimination. Ghana’s decision to abstain was guided by Chapter 5, Article 17 of the 1992 Constitution, which prohibits discrimination based on gender, race, colour, ethnic origin, religion, creed, or social and economic status.
In a clear and strong addition to the press release, the Permanent Representative of Ghana to the UN elaborated on Ghana’s definition of gender during the session:
"Our understanding of the traditional definition of gender is the male sex or female sex, especially when considered with reference to social and cultural differences. Similarly, sex in our view refers to either of the two main categories (male and female) into which humans and most other living things are divided and used for statistical purposes and policy monitoring."
The Ministry also reassured Ghanaians that the government remains fully aware of the public’s strong opposition to LGBTQI rights and will not act in any way to undermine this collective national stance.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is very mindful of the Ghanaian public’s general opposition and the Government’s strong stance against the subject of LGBTQI rights and will not act in any manner to undermine this position,
This clarification aims to address public concerns, correct misinformation, and reinforce Ghana’s long-standing cultural and legal perspectives on gender and sexuality, especially in international diplomatic engagements.
