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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a statement to clarify Ghana’s position following public debate and media reports about the country’s recent action at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) regarding LGBTQI-related matters.
The clarification comes in the wake of Ghana’s abstention from a vote at the 59th Session of the Human Rights Council (HRC59) on the renewal of the mandate of the Independent Expert on Protection Against Violence and Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI).
According to the Ministry, the vote was not about supporting LGBTQI rights, as has been misreported by some media outlets, but rather focused on whether individuals who identify as LGBTQI should be protected against violence and discrimination.
“There was no vote on the support of LGBTQI rights as has been wrongly reported by some sections of the Ghanaian media.
“On Monday, 7th July 2025, Ghana abstained from the vote on the renewal of the mandate of the Independent Expert on Protection Against Violence and Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity.
“The actual question before the Council was whether persons who identify as LGBTQI should be protected against violence and discrimination. It was not a vote in support of LGBTQI rights or related advocacy.”
The Ministry explained that Ghana’s abstention was a reflection of its commitment to the country’s Constitution, specifically Chapter 5, Article 17, which prohibits discrimination based on gender, race, colour, ethnic origin, religion, creed, or social and economic status.
The Ministry further stressed that the Government remains deeply mindful of the Ghanaian public’s overwhelming opposition to LGBTQI issues, and it would not take any action that could be seen as an endorsement of such practices.
Source: Elvisanokyenews.net
