Ghana has abstained from a United Nations Human Rights Council vote to renew the mandate of the Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
- Ghana abstained from a UN Human Rights Council vote on renewing the LGBTQ+ rights mandate.
- 30 member states supported the mandate, reflecting strong international backing for LGBTQ+ rights.
- The situation emphasizes Ghana’s internal tensions regarding international agreements and local policies.
The vote, held on Monday, 7 July 2025, during the Council’s 59th session in Geneva, resulted in 29 member states voting in favour of the mandate renewal, 15 voting against, and three abstaining, including Ghana.
Mandate Renewal Reaffirms Global LGBTQ+ Rights Protection
The renewed mandate reaffirms a global commitment to safeguarding the rights of individuals of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. It calls on member states to respect, protect, and fulfil their obligations under international law in protecting LGBTQ+ persons from violence and discrimination.
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The Independent Expert’s role includes documenting violations, engaging with national governments, and offering guidance on policy reforms to enhance human rights protections.
Ghana’s abstention draws attention amid anti-LGBTQ+ legislation efforts
Ghana’s decision to abstain comes at a time of heightened domestic pressure to legislate against LGBTQ+ activities. In May 2025, the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin, announced plans to reintroduce the widely criticised anti-LGBTQ+ bill.
The proposed legislation aims to criminalise not only same-sex relationships but also the promotion, advocacy, and funding of LGBTQ+ activities. If passed, the law would increase the maximum prison sentence for consensual same-sex relations from three to five years and impose additional penalties on individuals and organisations that support LGBTQ+ rights.
Wider global support despite opposition
Despite Ghana’s abstention and the opposition of 15 member states, the motion passed, reinforcing the global community’s stance on protecting sexual and gender minorities. The vote followed a large-scale advocacy campaign led by 1,259 non-governmental organisations spanning 157 countries and territories.
The renewed mandate signals the international community’s continued commitment to tackling discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, even as some nations, including Ghana, remain deeply divided on the issue.
While the UN has sent a strong message about inclusivity and equal rights, Ghana’s abstention highlights the country’s ongoing internal conflict between international human rights obligations and domestic political pressures.
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The next steps in Parliament regarding the anti-LGBTQ+ bill are expected to attract both national and international scrutiny.
