Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Samuel Nartey George, has expressed strong disapproval of Ghana’s recent decision to abstain from a United Nations vote on LGBTQ+ rights, calling it inconsistent with the country’s stated values and constitutional principles.
“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” Mr. Sam George stated in a facebook post made today, July 10, 2025.
The MP has been a vocal figure in Ghana’s ongoing national debate on LGBTQ+ issues, consistently urging government representatives to take firm and transparent positions on the global stage.
He emphasized that his stance on LGBTQ+ rights remains unchanged and urged government representatives to clearly and unequivocally articulate Ghana’s position, emphasizing the need to protect the innocence of Ghanaian children and uphold the sanctity of the nation’s cultural values.
“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” part of the post read.
READ FULL STATEMENT HERE
BACKGROUND
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement YESTERDAY, Wedneday, July 9, to address what it described as misleading media reports surrounding Ghana’s vote at the 59th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC59) in Geneva.
The reports suggested that Ghana abstained from a vote on supporting LGBTQI+ rights. However, the Ministry clarified that the vote in question was not about endorsing LGBTQI+ rights but rather focused on whether individuals who identify as LGBTQI should be protected from violence and discrimination.
According to the Ministry, Ghana abstained from the vote on the renewal of the mandate of the Independent Expert on Protection Against Violence and Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) to remain consistent with Article 17 of Chapter 5 of the 1992 Constitution. This article prohibits discrimination based on gender, race, colour, ethnic origin, religion, creed, or social and economic status.
“The resolution was not about support for LGBTQI rights. It was about ensuring protection from violence and discrimination, which is consistent with Ghana’s Constitution”the statement emphasized.
The Ministry further noted that the resolution merely requested that the Independent Expert continue to report annually on the implementation of the mandate to the Human Rights Council and the UN General Assembly.
According to the Ministry, during the session, Ghana’s Permanent Representative provided additional clarification on the country’s position, stating, “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.”
He added that this traditional view refers to the two main biological categories, male and female, used for policy and statistical purposes.
The Ministry reiterated the Government’s strong stance against the promotion of LGBTQI+ rights in Ghana, stressing that it is fully aware of public opposition to such rights and will not take any action to undermine this position.
