Ghana Didn’t Vote on LGBTQI Rights – Foreign Affairs Ministry Sets Record Straight

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has clarified Ghana’s position at the recently concluded 59th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC59), debunking claims that the country voted in support of LGBTQI rights.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Ministry explained that Ghana did not vote for or against LGBTQI rights, but abstained from a resolution that sought to renew the mandate of the Independent Expert on Protection Against Violence and Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI).

The Ministry emphasized that the resolution was not about endorsing LGBTQI rights, but focused on whether individuals identifying as LGBTQI should be protected from violence and discrimination—a principle enshrined in Ghana’s own Constitution.

“Ghana abstained in the vote, to be consistent with Chapter 5, Article 17 of the 1992 Constitution, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender, race, colour, ethnic origin, religion, creed, or social and economic status,” the Ministry noted.

The resolution calls for the continued work of the UN Independent Expert in monitoring and reporting on violence and discrimination faced by LGBTQI individuals globally. Ghana’s abstention, according to its Permanent Representative at the Council, reflects a constitutional and culturally informed position.

“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 Representative stated. “Similarly, ‘sex’ refers to either male or female, which guides our statistical and policy frameworks.”

The Ministry further reaffirmed that Ghana’s decision to abstain was not a shift in national policy, and reiterated that the government remains fully aware of widespread public opposition to LGBTQI matters within the country.

The clarification comes amid public debate and misinformation regarding Ghana’s role at the UN session. The Ministry urged Ghanaians to interpret international engagements in proper context and trust that the government will continue to uphold national values in all diplomatic arenas.