The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has addressed misconceptions surrounding Ghana’s vote at the 59th Session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC59), where the country abstained from a resolution renewing the mandate of the Independent Expert on Protection Against Violence and Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI).
Contrary to some media reports, Ghana emphasized that its abstention was not a vote on LGBTQI rights but rather on whether individuals identifying as LGBTQI should be protected from violence and discrimination. The Ministry stressed that the vote was aligned with Article 17 of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, which prohibits discrimination on grounds such as gender, race, and religion, while maintaining the government’s stance on traditional gender definitions.
During the session, Ghana’s Permanent Representative explicitly stated the country’s position, affirming that gender is traditionally understood as male or female, with sex being a binary classification for policy and statistical purposes. This clarification underscores Ghana’s commitment to its cultural and constitutional values, which do not recognize broader gender identities. The Ministry reiterated that the government remains opposed to LGBTQI rights, reflecting widespread public sentiment and national legislation, including the recent Anti-LGBTQI Bill.
The resolution, which passed despite Ghana’s abstention, requires the Independent Expert to continue annual reporting on global efforts to address SOGI-based violence and discrimination. While Ghana’s abstention signals a cautious approach to international human rights frameworks, the government maintains that its decision balances constitutional non-discrimination principles with its rejection of LGBTQI rights advocacy. The Ministry’s statement aims to correct misinterpretations while reinforcing Ghana’s sovereign stance on gender and sexuality.
This development highlights the tension between Ghana’s adherence to traditional values and its engagement with global human rights norms. As debates over LGBTQI rights persist, the government’s clarification seeks to reassure the public of its unwavering position while navigating complex international diplomacy. The Ministry’s message to media houses underscores its intent to prevent further misrepresentation of Ghana’s policies on this contentious issue.
