The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a firm clarification regarding Ghana’s recent abstention from a vote at the 59th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC59), dispelling what it described as “misleading and mischievous” media reports suggesting that the country had signalled support for LGBTQI+ rights.
In an official press release, the Ministry stated unequivocally that, contrary to widespread speculation, Ghana did not vote on whether to support LGBTQI+ rights.
Rather, the Ministry noted that the vote held on Monday, 7th July 2025, concerned the renewal of the mandate of the Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI).
“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 support for LGBTQI rights”.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Constitutional Principles
The Ministry explained that Ghana’s abstention was guided by constitutional principles and not a signal of any policy shift.
In line with Ghana’s national legal framework, the Ministry highlighted that the abstention was consistent with 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.
This, the statement suggested, informed Ghana’s position of neutrality—not an endorsement, but a legal and diplomatic decision that aligns with the Constitution.
The vote, which focused on whether the UN Independent Expert should continue reporting annually to the Human Rights Council and General Assembly on the implementation of the mandate, has reignited debate in Ghana over the country’s stance on LGBTQI+ matters.
According to the Ministry, some media reports had inaccurately suggested that the abstention was a sign that the country was warming up to LGBTQI+ rights.
Addressing these narratives, the Ministry’s statement stressed that the Government of Ghana 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.
The Ministry further quoted the statement delivered by Ghana’s Permanent Representative at the HRC session, who made Ghana’s position abundantly clear.
“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.”
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Grounded Cultural Understanding
This assertion, the Ministry said, reaffirms Ghana’s culturally grounded understanding of gender and sex, which continues to inform both domestic policymaking and international diplomatic positions.
The press release came amid a wave of criticism on traditional and social media platforms, with various commentators accusing the NDC government of quietly shifting its long-held position on LGBTQI+ rights under international pressure.
The Ministry’s statement appears to be a direct response to such claims, attempting to draw a sharp distinction between Ghana’s constitutional commitment to non-discrimination and the notion of endorsing LGBTQI+ activism or legislation.
To reinforce the government’s position, Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, weighed in on the controversy. In a brief message, Hon. Ablakwa insisted that the Mahama Administration has not changed its position on LGBTQI+.
“This official statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarifies Ghana’s vote at the UN Human Rights Council yesterday. Ignore the misleading and mischievous reports by sections of the media”.
Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
Hon. Ablakwa’s comments suggest an effort to draw a firm line between Ghana’s constitutional and diplomatic commitments on human rights and any assumptions of policy change concerning LGBTQI+ rights.
The Ministry’s clarification seeks to preempt further misunderstanding or political exploitation of the abstention. It also aims to reassure a Ghanaian populace that has become increasingly vocal on the matter, especially as Parliament prepares for the possible passage of the controversial Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill.
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