Foreign Affairs Ministry clarifies Ghana’s abstention on LGBTQI vote at UN Human Rights Council

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has clarified Ghana’s position following widespread media commentary surrounding its recent vote at the 59th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC59) on a resolution related to sexual orientation and gender identity.

According to the Ministry, Ghana did not vote on the support of LGBTQI rights, contrary to some reports. Instead, on Monday, July 7, 2025, Ghana abstained from voting on the renewal of the mandate of the Independent Expert on Protection Against Violence and Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI).

The Ministry explained that the resolution was not about endorsing LGBTQI rights but focused on whether individuals who identify as LGBTQI should be protected from violence and discrimination.

The abstention, the Ministry stated, aligns with Article 17 of Chapter 5 of the 1992 Constitution, which prohibits discrimination on grounds including gender, race, religion, or social and economic status. Ghana’s decision, therefore, reflects a commitment to constitutional principles rather than support for LGBTQI advocacy.

The resolution calls for the Independent Expert to continue reporting annually to both the Human Rights Council and the General Assembly. During the session, Ghana’s Permanent Representative reaffirmed the country’s understanding of gender and sex in line with traditional definitions.

“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,” the statement read. “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 further emphasised that it remains fully aware of public opposition in Ghana to LGBTQI rights and reiterated that the Government maintains its firm position against any action that undermines national values.