Minister Backs Ghana’s Stance but Questions Vote Decision
Sam George, the Minister of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation, expressed support for Ghana’s position on draft resolution L.24 at the UN Human Rights Council but criticized the decision to abstain from the vote on July 7, 2025. The resolution, renewing the mandate of the Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, saw Ghana abstain, citing alignment with Article 17 of the 1992 Constitution, which prohibits discrimination based on gender, race, and other factors.
In a July 10, 2025, Facebook post, George criticized the abstention as inconsistent with Ghana’s stance, urging Parliament to expedite the reintroduction of the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, which was previously passed in February 2024 but not signed by former President Nana Akufo-Addo due to legal challenges. The bill, now a private member’s initiative, seeks to criminalize same-sex relationships and their promotion, with penalties up to five years in prison. George emphasized protecting Ghanaian values and children, pressing for President John Mahama’s assent.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified on July 9 that the vote was about protecting individuals from violence and discrimination, not endorsing LGBTQ+ rights. Ghana’s abstention, one of three among 47 council members, followed 29 votes in favor and 15 against. The ministry stressed consistency with constitutional principles, denying media claims of a vote directly supporting LGBTQ+ activities.
George, a key proponent of the bill, reaffirmed his opposition to LGBTQ+ rights, arguing the vote conflicted with his conscience and Ghana’s cultural stance. The reintroduced bill, backed by 10 MPs, awaits review by the Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs Committee. President Mahama has suggested that a government-sponsored bill would carry more legitimacy.
The issue highlights Ghana’s tension between international human rights obligations and domestic cultural values, with the bill’s potential passage risking $3.8 billion in World Bank funding and affecting a $3 billion IMF loan, as warned by the Finance Ministry in 2024. The debate continues as Ghana navigates its global and local priorities.