The Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Samuel Nartey George, has expressed his dissatisfaction over Ghana’s decision to abstain from a United Nations vote on LGBTQ+ rights. According to the Minister for Communication, Technology and Digital Innovations the stance is inconsistent with the country’s declared values and constitutional principles.
Sam George in a Facebook post argued the decision to abstain from voting on draft resolution L.24 at the 59th session of the UN Human Rights Council was “in conflict with Ghana’s espoused position and my conscience.”
According to him Ghana must always make its stance “clear and unambiguous.”
“The innocence of Ghanaian children and the sanctity of our values cannot be traded for any consideration,” he stated. “Let truth, our conscience and our principles be our guiding light.” He stated
He reaffirmed that his position on LGBTQ+ matters remains unchanged explaining that, along with his colleagues in Parliament, he has resubmitted the same anti-LGBTQ+ bill that was passed last year but was not signed into law by then-President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
The lead advocate for the legislation urged Parliament to expedite the approval process so the bill can be presented to President John Dramani Mahama for assent.
Foreign Affairs Ministry clarifies abstention
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had earlier clarified Ghana’s position on the controversial vote explaining that Ghana did not vote to support LGBTQ+ rights, contrary to reports.
According to the Ministry, the resolution concerned the renewal of the mandate of the UN Independent Expert on Protection Against Violence and Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, and not the endorsement of LGBTQ+ rights.
“There was no vote on the support of LGBTQI for which Ghana abstained, as has been wrongly reported by a section of the Ghanaian media,” the statement said.
The Ministry stated that Ghana’s abstention was guided by Chapter 5, Article 17 of the 1992 Constitution, which prohibits discrimination based on gender, race, colour, ethnic origin, religion, creed, or social and economic status.
The vote, which took place on Monday, 7 July, saw 29 member states vote in favour of renewing the Independent Expert’s mandate, 15 countries opposed, and Ghana was among three that abstained.
In a statement delivered at the Human Rights Council session, Ghana’s Permanent Representative clarified the government’s understanding of gender as “the male sex or female sex, especially when considered with reference to social and cultural differences.”
Despite the Ministry’s clarification, Mr George maintains that the abstention sends the wrong message, both internationally and locally. He continues to argue that Ghana must protect its cultural values and the “innocence of Ghanaian children.”
Another lead advocate for the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025 Rev. John Ntim Fordjour has questioned the delay in getting the legislation passed. The Assin South MP has consequently threatened to name and shame members of the majority whom he believes are being controlled by the Presidency to scuttle efforts in getting the bill gazetted and passed.
Below is the full post from Sam George:
My position on the matter of LGBTQ+ remains steadfast. I have read the full statement Ghana made on the floor in relation to our position on draft resolution L.24. I align fully with the letter and spirit of the text.
I cannot however in good conscience understand the decision to abstain in the subsequent vote. That vote is in conflict with Ghana’s espoused position and my conscience. We MUST at all times make our position clear and unambiguous.
Like I indicated earlier, together with my Colleagues in Parliament, we have resubmitted the same Bill that was passed last year by Parliament which Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo refused to sign. I urge Parliament to expedite the approval process so we present the Bill to President John Dramani Mahama.
The innocence of Ghanaian children and the sanctity of our values cannot be traded for any considerations. Let truth and our conscience and principles be our guiding light.
Shalom.
