Ghana has abstained from a critical vote at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) regarding the renewal of the mandate for the Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI).
The vote, held in Geneva, saw a divided council, with 29 countries voting in favour of the resolution, 15 against, and 3 abstentions, including Ghana.
The resolution ultimately passed, allowing the Independent Expert’s work to continue for another three years.
The Independent Expert role, first created in 2016, aims to monitor and report on human rights violations against LGBTQI+ individuals globally, and to advise UN member states on eliminating discrimination and violence based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Ghana’s abstention comes at a time when the country is under both local and international scrutiny over a controversial anti-LGBTQ+ bill currently before Parliament.
Officially titled the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, the proposed legislation seeks to criminalize same-sex relationships, advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, and even expressions of support. The bill has sparked fierce debate between human rights advocates, religious and traditional groups, and international partners.
While the government has not officially explained its decision to abstain, foreign affairs analysts say the move may reflect efforts to balance competing pressures—appeasing domestic support for the bill while avoiding a direct rebuke of international human rights norms.
Civil society organizations have expressed concern over the government’s stance. The LGBTQ+ Rights Ghana group, in a statement, called the abstention “a missed opportunity for Ghana to reaffirm its commitment to protecting all its citizens, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.”
Meanwhile, proponents of the anti-LGBTQ+ bill welcomed the decision, arguing that Ghana should resist what they call “external imposition” of Western values.
The bill, introduced in 2021 and revised in 2024 after intense public consultations, has not yet been passed into law.
It is currently under review following a Supreme Court injunction, pending final deliberation in Parliament.
President Nana Akufo-Addo has previously stated that he will act in accordance with the Constitution, emphasizing human dignity while maintaining Ghanaian cultural values.
