The Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Sam George, has reacted to the controversy surrounding Ghana’s decision to abstain from the Human Rights Council’s vote to renew the mandate of the Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
In a Facebook post on Thursday, July 10, 2025, he indicated he had read the full statement delivered by Ghana’s representatives at the meeting regarding the country’s position on draft resolution L.24, which he supports but, reiterated his firm stance on LGBTQ issues.
Sam George questioned Ghana’s decision to abstain from the subsequent vote, stating that he “cannot, in good conscience, understand the decision”.
“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,” he said.
The Minister, who is one of the proponents of the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, disclosed that the same legislation, previously passed by the 8th Parliament but not assented to, has been resubmitted to the House.
He therefore called on Parliament to fast-track the approval process so that the bill can be forwarded to the President for assent.
“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,” he added.
His comments follow an earlier clarification issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In a press statement on July 9, 2025, the ministry clarified that there was no vote calling for support on LGBTQ+ and its activities.
“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.
“On Monday, 7th July 2025, Ghana abstained from the HRC’s vote on the renewal of the Mandate of the Independent Expert on Protection Against Violence and Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity,” the statement explained.
The statement further explained that the council voted on whether persons who identify as LGBTQI should be protected against violence and discrimination or not.
It indicated that the decision to abstain was consistent with the country’s human rights principles.
“The question before the Council was whether persons who identify as LGBTQI should be protected against violence and discrimination or not. It was not about support for LGBTQI rights. Ghana abstained in the vote, to be consistent with Chapter 5, Article 17 of the 1992 Constitution, which specifically prohibits discrimination on the grounds of gender, race, colour, ethnic origin, religion, creed, or social and economic status,” it said.
The statement added, “The resolution requests the Independent Expert to continue to report annually on the implementation of the mandate to the Human Rights Council and the General Assembly in accordance with their respective programmes of work.”
