‘There was no vote on support for LGBTQI’ – Foreign Affairs ministry clarifies UN abstention

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a clarification regarding reports that Ghana abstained from a vote in support of LGBTQI activities at the 59th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC59) on Tuesday, 7 July 2025.

According to the Ministry, no such vote on LGBTQI rights or activities was held, describing media reports suggesting otherwise as “misleading.”

The clarification follows rising public concern over claims that the government had shifted its stance on LGBTQI matters.

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In a press statement dated 9 July, the Ministry explained that the actual vote pertained to the renewal of the mandate of the UN Independent Expert on Protection Against Violence and Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity.

The statement read:

On Monday, 7th July 2025, Ghana abstained from the HRC’s vote on the renewal of the mandate of the Independent Expert on Protection Against Violence and Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity.

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It further clarified:

The question before the Council was whether individuals who identify as LGBTQI should be protected against violence and discrimination not whether Ghana supports LGBTQI rights.

The Ministry emphasised that Ghana’s abstention was consistent with Chapter 5, Article 17 of the 1992 Constitution, which prohibits discrimination on the grounds of gender, race, colour, ethnic origin, religion, creed, or social and economic status.

The adopted resolution requests the Independent Expert to continue reporting annually to the Human Rights Council and the UN General Assembly on the implementation of the mandate.

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In a statement delivered by Ghana’s Permanent Representative during the session, the country also reaffirmed its position on the definition of gender, asserting that it recognises gender strictly as male and female biological sex.

The Ministry concluded by reiterating that it remains fully aware of the Ghanaian public’s strong opposition to LGBTQI matters, and assured that the government continues to uphold this position in both domestic and international engagements.

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